Behind Her Empire

In this week’s episode, we’re doing a solo episode. I’ve invited my co-founder at beeya wellness and sister-in-law, Kaya Purohit, to join me for a candid conversation where we dive into the top questions from our community.From wellness routines to business strategy, we’re getting real on how we actually live, work, and build behind the scenes. We get into things like: * The wellness fads we tried (and why they left us drained)* The daily rituals that keep us grounded while running a fast-paced startup* The best business advice we’ve ever received—and how it keeps us sane* The marketing lesson that completely changed the way we grow beeya* The messy truth of building a brand, from product development headaches to customer winsWe’re keeping it honest, a little messy, and hopefully super helpful - we hope you enjoy this one! 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.

Melinda Maria Spigel is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Melinda Maria Jewelry, a leading e-commerce jewelry brand. From a young age, Melinda was drawn to creativity and jewelry, spending hours sketching and experimenting with designs. What began as a childhood passion quickly evolved into something bigger when, at 23, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. She started selling her handmade pieces out of a Starbucks, sometimes making $1,000 a day, until her bold, statement designs began catching the eyes of stylists and celebrities. That early momentum would eventually grow into a namesake brand worn by icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift, and featured in major retailers around the world.In this week’s episode, Melinda opens up about the real journey behind the brand: how she overcame fear of judgment, why authenticity is her biggest competitive edge, and what it really took to build a company from scratch while raising three kids. We talk about the hustle of her early days, the grassroots strategies that got her into celebrity hands, the lessons she learned navigating challenges during key growth stages, and how passion continues to fuel her resilience and long-term success. Melinda’s story is a masterclass in resilience, resourcefulness, and creativity, and a reminder that true success isn’t about a perfect path but about showing up with courage, again and again.In this episode, we’ll talk to Melinda about:* Why authenticity is the foundation of brand-building. [03:03]* Melinda’s relationship with creativity growing up. [07:16]* Discovering her passion for jewelry at a young age. [09:00]* Hustle and scrappiness in the early days. [11:47]* Driving growth through community engagement. [13:46]* Navigating challenges during key growth stages. [19:08]* Lessons on fulfillment and growth. [28:07]* Finding the right manufacturer and why it matters. [38:10]* Content creation and showing up authentically online. [41:32]* Taking time for family and returning full-time. [45:01]* How passion sustains resilience and long-term success. [53:55]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 Melinda: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melindamaria_jewely/* Website: https://www.melindamaria.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sea of conflicting advice on hormones, aging, and how to truly take care of your body, you’re not alone. From social media trends to quick-fix solutions, it can be hard to know what actually works and what’s just noise. In this conversation, Dr. Amy Killen breaks down complex science into clear, actionable insights. You’ll walk away not only with knowledge, but also with a sense of empowerment to make decisions that support your long-term vitality, energy, and confidence as hormones shift throughout life.In this episode you’ll learn: * Misconceptions about estrogen* How to navigate hormone shifts in midlife* The latest science on HRT* When hormone testing really matters* The truth about creatine, red light & collagen* When women age the fastest* And more…Dr. Amy Killen is a longevity and regenerative physician, entrepreneur, and international speaker. A former ER doctor, she now helps people look and feel their best through lifestyle medicine, hormones, peptides, and cutting-edge regenerative therapies. She is the founder of the Human Optimization Project and co-founder/Chief Medical Officer of Humanaut Health, while also pioneering advanced stem cell procedures in her Utah-based practice.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 Dr. Amy: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amybkillen/* Website: https://dramykillen.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ty Haney is the founder of Outdoor Voices, the brand that made moving your body feel cool, inclusive, and fun again.. She’s also the founder of Joggy, a natural energy brand, and TYB (“Try Your Best”), a fast-growing platform helping brands build stronger communities through its community commerce model.Ty started Outdoor Voices as a college project, and it ended up becoming one of the most recognizable names in activewear. She had this fresh take on movement and community that made the brand stand out and quickly grow into a national success. At its peak, Outdoor Voices was bringing in over $160 million in revenue under her leadership and became a playbook for how community can drive real growth. After stepping away, Ty didn’t slow down - she launched Joggy and later TYB, which now powers over 200 companies like Rare Beauty, Poppi, and Urban Outfitters.In today’s episode, Ty gets real about the full arc of Outdoor Voices from its scrappy beginnings to becoming a national brand, and then the tough moments that led her to step away. She opens up about the challenges behind the scenes, what it felt like to walk away from something she built, and why she’s now coming back to the company with a fresh perspective. We also dive into what she’s learned launching Joggy from scratch, building TYB with powerhouse brands, and how she rebuilt her confidence through it all. Ty shares the lessons she wishes more founders talked about - why ownership equals control, how to manage your time and energy, and why trusting yourself is everything. This one’s for anyone who’s building, rebuilding, or just figuring it out as they go, Ty’s story is packed with honesty, grit, and the kind of inspiration we all need to hear.In this episode, we’ll talk to Ty about:* Why ownership equals control in business. [02:16]* Childhood influences and early entrepreneurial spirit. [05:16]* The origin story of Outdoor Voices. [07:57]* Outdoor Voices’ unique approach to activewear. [14:08]* Product development challenges behind the scenes. [15:57]* Fundraising and relationship-building lessons. [22:23]* Scaling Outdoor Voices and the biggest lessons she learned. [28:23]* Why a strong team makes all the difference. [29:29]* The decision to leave Outdoor Voices. [30:40]* Motherhood and personal growth. [37:04]* Starting over with Try Your Best and Joggy. [39:52]* Rebuilding her confidence from the ground up. [44:04]* Time management and how Ty sets her priorities, managing three companies. [47:19]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 Ty: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ty_haney/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoorvoices/* Website: https://www.outdoorvoices.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your mouth making you sick? Turns out, your mouth is the gateway to your whole body’s health, yet most of us don’t realize just how much our oral care impacts everything from digestion to heart health. Whether you want to prevent cavities, avoid unnecessary dental work, or learn holistic strategies for keeping your mouth healthy, this conversation will open your eyes to the bigger picture of oral wellness.In this episode you’ll learn: * How oral health is deeply connected to overall health* The role of saliva and minerals in keeping teeth strong* Early signs of poor oral health (and how to address them)* How breastfeeding impacts jaw development in babies* The fluoride debate—what you need to know* Why so many kids (and adults) need braces today* The surprising link between mouth breathing and dental health* And more…Dr. Staci Whitman is a leading authority in functional dentistry. With a unique blend of scientific expertise and compassionate care, she’s dedicated to creating a cavity-free world. Dr. Staci is a triple board-certified in pediatrics, integrative dentistry, and naturopathic dentistry and is one of only five dentists in the world to have her Functional Medicine Certification from the Institute of Functional Medicine. She founded one of the country’s leading Functional Pediatric Dental offices, where she takes a whole-body and holistic approach to her care. She co-founded the Institute of Functional Dentistry, launching in 2025, and lectures globally on Functional Dentistry and the Oral Systemic Connection.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 BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Get 15% off at fygg.com with code BEEYA.Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Dr. Staci: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor_staci/* Website: https://linktr.ee/doctorstaci Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kadi Lee is a celebrity hair colorist and the co-founder of Highbrow Hippie, a luxury beauty and wellness brand rooted in clean ingredients, intentional rituals, and timeless beauty.Growing up in a small town outside New York, Kadi learned to care for her own textured hair at just eleven, sparking a passion for beauty that would shape her life. That passion took her from a college side hustle to training at Aveda and working in some of New York City’s top salons. In 2019, she and her longtime friend Myka Harris brought that experience to Venice Beach, launching Highbrow Hippie — a beauty and wellness destination that embodies clean living and a laid-back California vibe, which we’re going to talk all about today. She’s become a go-to for celebrity clients from Julia Roberts to Meghan Markle to Gwyneth Paltrow.In today’s episode, you’ll hear how Kadi built Highbrow Hippie from the ground up, learning every part of running a business completely from scratch. She went from figuring out fundraising to creating products with zero prior experience — all while trusting her instincts at every turn. We talk about how her early life shaped her independence, the hustle that led to her first big break, and the leap of faith it took to launch a luxury beauty brand in the middle of a global pandemic. Kadi shares powerful lessons on financial literacy, learning to delegate, and staying clear on your vision when the path forward feels uncertain. She also opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of building a business, the moments she almost walked away, and the support that helped her push through. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting something from nothing, Kadi’s story will inspire you to take the leap.In this episode, we’ll talk to Kadi about:* How Kadi’s upbringing shaped her independence. [02:33]* Early jobs and discovering her passion for hair. [06:26]* Kadi’s first big break in the industry. [09:57]* The inspiration behind Highbrow Hippie. [11:10]* Navigating the challenges of starting a business during a pandemic. [21:08]* Trusting your gut when making big business decisions. [24:01]* Why financial literacy is essential for entrepreneurs. [32:00]* Brand vision and the power of visualization. [38:17]* From product iteration to their first official launch. [37:09]* Navigating product development. [39:45]* Lessons from joining an accelerator and raising capital. [45:43]* The emotional impact of receiving support from clients and community. [50:44]* How perseverance and hard work lead to lasting success. [55:46]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 BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Get 15% off Highbrow Hippie Haircare & Wellness with code Empire15 at highbrowhippie.comFollow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Kadi: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highbrowhippie/* Website: https://highbrowhippie.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Face taping, red light, microneedling—oh my! With so much conflicting skincare advice online, it’s hard to know what actually works and what’s just hype. In this episode, we’re joined by world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe to cut through the noise and bring you the science-backed truths about healthy, glowing skin.From morning routines to active ingredients, acne myths to the gut-skin connection, Dr. Bowe shares her top tips for simplifying your skincare and healing your skin from the inside and out.In this episode you’ll learn: * The only morning skincare routine you actually need* How to properly use active ingredients without damaging your skin* The connection between gut health and skin health* Foods that naturally boost collagen and support healthy aging* Tips for treating acne-prone skin (without overdoing it)* A dermatologist’s take on how to approach skin treatments* The truth about face taping vs. Botox* And more…Dr. Whitney Bowe is a board-certified dermatologist, award-winning research scientist, and the founder of Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty—one of the fastest-growing skincare brands on the market. She’s the force behind the viral skin-cycling trend and the best-selling author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin, where she dives into the powerful link between gut health, mental health, and skin. Whether she’s treating celebrities or educating millions online, Dr. Bowe brings science-backed skincare to the forefront. Her mission is helping you glow from the inside out.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 Dr. Bowe: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drwhitneybowe/* Website: https://drwhitneybowebeauty.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elizabeth Stein is the Founder and CEO of Purely Elizabeth, the number one granola brand in America and a trailblazer in the natural foods industry.Her journey began far from the aisles of Whole Foods. In 2008, she was working as a certified holistic nutrition counselor, focused on helping people one-on-one. But when she brought a batch of homemade gluten-free blueberry muffins to a local triathlon to promote her practice, something unexpected happened: people went crazy for them. That moment sparked an idea. From her tiny New York City apartment, Elizabeth started selling muffin mixes and hand-delivering orders. Over time, she pivoted to granola, a bold move that would put her on the map. What began as scrappy kitchen experiments turned into Purely Elizabeth, now sold in over 30,000 stores nationwide. With backing from General Mills and a cult following among health-conscious shoppers, she’s built more than a food company — she’s built a movement.In our conversation, Elizabeth takes us behind the scenes of what it really looks like to build a food company from the ground up, starting with no industry experience and a whole lot of curiosity. She shares how she created her first product (yes, those famous blueberry muffins), and how one pivot led her to granola, now the brand’s bestseller and the product that took everything to the next level. We talk about bootstrapping for seven years, early manufacturing struggles, and the moment a Whole Foods buyer gave her a shot that changed everything. Elizabeth also opens up about walking trade show floors to get noticed, teaching herself how to fundraise, and learning to trust her gut long before she felt ready. She gets honest about the personal growth it takes to scale a business, from building confidence to setting boundaries, and why letting go of perfection was one of the best decisions she ever made.In this episode, we’ll talk to Elizabeth about:* Starting a business without all the answers. [03:09]* The power of ambition and a strong support system. [05:34]* How Elizabeth’s interest in wellness first started. [08:46]* Studying nutrition and building business skills. [16:17]* Creating the first product: blueberry muffins. [18:27]* How pivoting opened new opportunities. [22:07]* Navigating early manufacturing challenges. [29:35]* Why trade shows became key turning points. [31:13]* Breaking into Whole Foods. [33:56]* Finding the right co-packer to scale. [36:07]* Pivoting to launch their now-popular granola line. [43:09]* Approaching investors and their first fundraise. [47:32]* Elizabeth’s biggest area of growth: confidence. [53:22]* Learning to say no and create healthy boundaries. [57:07]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 Elizabeth: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purely_elizabeth/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamelizabethstein/* Website: https://purelyelizabeth.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking about having kids someday, or just curious about your body? This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to better understand fertility, whether you're planning ahead or just want to feel more connected to your cycle.In this episode you’ll learn: * Why fertility matters even if you’re not trying for kids* The truth about birth control and future fertility* Which fertility tests to get and how to improve egg quality* A crash course on how reproduction works* How to track your cycle and use the Fertility Awareness Method* What sperm health has to do with the bigger picture* And more…Unlike many physicians, Natalie has a whole body approach to medicine, fusing lifestyle and functional medicine with science backed facts to help people conceive and understand their bodies. Dr. Crawford has helped thousands of patients and followers learn about their bodies and their fertility, empowering them with education and learning to advocate for themselves in their own fertility journeys. Natalie also hosts the successful As a Woman Podcast with over 5 million downloads.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 Dr. Natalie: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd/* Website: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Vranich is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Little Spoon, a company that’s become the go-to destination for fresh, healthy meals for kids.Angela’s journey to transforming kids’ food was anything but traditional. While still in college, she was cold-calling brands and building a grassroots food marketing startup out of her dorm room, eventually growing it to over 100 team members nationwide. After graduating, she landed a job in food television, thinking that was her dream, until she realized she didn’t just want to talk about food, she wanted to change it. That spark came when she walked down the baby food aisle and saw how outdated it all felt. The idea for Little Spoon was born, but turning it into a real product was far from easy. Angela had zero experience bringing a physical product to life, had to shut down her first business, and was constantly figuring things out as she went. Still, she launched Little Spoon in 2017, and it took off, selling over a million meals in its first year. Since then, it’s become a go-to for parents across the country, delivering over 35 million fresh meals for babies, toddlers, and big kids.In this episode, Angela gets real about the emotional rollercoaster of building a company from scratch, the pivots, the rejections, and the moments she questioned it all. We talk about the power of what she calls “healthy naiveté” and how sometimes not knowing what you’re up against is what gives you the courage to take the leap anyway. She opens up about shutting down her first venture after college and the biggest lessons she learned there about what to do and not to do in business. We also dive into what it actually takes to scale fresh food at a national level, why going direct-to-consumer gave Little Spoon a major advantage, and how Angela learned to surround herself with the right people, ask for help, and celebrate the small wins.In this episode, we’ll talk to Angela about:* Surrounding yourself with experts can guide your journey. [03:00]* How healthy naivete fuels bold decisions. [04:04]* Lessons from launching a business in college. [07:28]* Managing people as a first-time student founder. [11:52]* Shutting down her first venture and pivoting. [14:03]* Spotting a gap in the baby food market. [17:54]* The first steps in building Little Spoon. [20:28]* Figuring it out: cold calls and scrappiness. [23:49]* Product challenges in fresh baby food. [26:53]* Retail hurdles and going DTC instead. [30:48]* Building brand awareness from scratch. [34:51]* Why a strong team makes all the difference. [36:19]* Staying grounded through business highs and lows. [40:24]* Delegating and making the most of your time. [42:38]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 Angela: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelavran/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlespoon/* Website: https://www.littlespoon.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.