Behind Her Empire

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://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.

In this enlightening discussion, Kayla Barnes, the owner of LYV The Wellness Space and a leader in female health, shares groundbreaking insights on optimizing women's wellness. She delves into sleep strategies, the truth about cold plunges, and how to sync workouts with hormonal cycles. Kayla emphasizes sustainable weight loss and stress management techniques tailored for busy women. With her innovative approach to longevity, she inspires listeners to take charge of their health through personalized routines and community support.

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. [03:35]* Ty's upbringing fostered a belief in achieving dreams. [05:43]* The roots of Ty’s hustle and drive. [07:58]* Starting a business without experience is possible. [10:09]* The early vision and business plan behind Fresh Sends. [15:33]* The impact of branding on business success. [16:50]* Why shipping logistics are crucial in the floral industry. [18:48]* Pivoting can lead to new opportunities. [19:49]* The financial risks and realities of entrepreneurship. [20:46]* Embracing challenges as part of the journey. [26:23]* Having a strong 'why' is crucial for motivation. [29:55]* Customer connections can drive your business forward. [32:48]* The power of word-of-mouth marketing. [34:42]* Navigating demand and supply challenges while scaling. [37:42]* Ty’s hiring lessons and the importance of team building. [43:20]* Persistence and patience are key to long-term success. [45:40]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.