Behind Her Empire

Vicky Tsai, founder of Japanese beauty brand Tatcha, had a nontraditional path to eventually founding one of the top skincare companies today. About 10 years ago, Vicky decided to leave her thriving career and travel the world in search of happiness and meaning in her life. In her travels, when visiting Kyoto, Japan, Vicky had a life-changing meeting with a Geisha. She learned some of their natural skincare secrets which healed her skin & soul in the truest sense and she wanted to bring the same experience back with her to the US. However, Vicky’s success did not come easy. She struggled for years to get the brand off the ground and was over $600,000 in debt at the time. When she started the company, there weren’t many direct-to-consumer brands, Asian beauty and skincare wasn’t a thing and no one was interested in clean formulas for their skin. Fast forward to today, Tatcha is available in Sephora & QVC and is the second fastest growing women-led company on the Inc 5000 list. And last year, Unilever acquired Tatcha for a reported $500 million dollars. Vicky is passionate about giving back. Since inception, they have partnered with Room to Read in their mission to educate girls globally and have sponsored over 3 million days of school. In this episode, we’ll talk to Vicky about: * How 9/11 impacted Vicky’s perspective on life’s meaning and purpose [4:26]* Vicky shares how she used business school to do introspective work on herself [6:54]* Vicky discusses her career trajectory and why Howard Shultz, CEO of Starbucks, played a big role in her leaving her corporate career [11:23]* Vicky shares how she thinks about social entrepreneurship and using business as a vehicle for social change [16:18]* Vicky describes why Kyoto, Japan made such a big impact in her life & truly healed her from the inside out [18:28]* How Vicky thinks about money, risk & success and key tips she shares with entrepreneurs when starting a business [20:54]* How Vicky sold her engagement ring to buy 10,000 blotting papers and bring Tatcha to life [24:58]* Why Vicky decided to not raise money from investors early-on & the personal sacrifices she made to keep the business afloat [27:20]* What Tatcha looked like in the early days and how she eventually got the product in Sephora & QVC [34:11]* Vicky shares her advice on raising money with institutional investors [45:03]* Vicky describes how she felt when stepping down as CEO and the immense growth the Company saw when she stopped caring about what others think [46:14]* Vicky shares what it was like to sell her company for $500 million dollars and the legacy she wants to leave behind [53:46]Follow Tatcha:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatcha * Website: https://www.tatcha.com/Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beatrice Dixon is the Founder of The Honey Pot Company, a plant-based feminine hygiene line created to provide women with healthy alternatives to feminine care.The Honey Pot Company began with a dream - literally. In 2014, Beatrice was struggling with an ongoing case of bacterial vaginosis. She visited her doctor and tried everything they recommended, but nothing worked. One early morning she was visited by her grandmother in a dream. She gave Beatrice a list of ingredients and told her what to do. When Beatrice woke up, she immediately went to whole foods, where she was working at the time, and got the ingredients. Within a few days, the infection was gone. It was at this stage Beatrice started working on Honey Pot and giving away the product to friends and seeing their results. Today The Honey Pot Company sells feminine care products nationwide at Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, Walgreens, and retailers across the US. Beatrice has been featured on many media outlets including, Today Show, The New York Times, Entrepreneur, ELLE, ESSENCE, and Forbes. We’ll hear from Beatrice about starting the world’s first plant-based feminine care company, scaling the business from her kitchen to mass production, advice she has about getting your product into retail outlets, candid thoughts around fundraising, and more. *Disclaimer: There is a bit of explicit language in our conversation, so be sure to put in headphones if you’re around kids :)In this episode, we'll talk to Beatrice about:* Beatrice’s life before Honey Pot, from pharmacy technician to Whole Foods. [2:36]* More on her struggle with BV and how the idea for Honey Pot came about. [7:08]* Why Beatrice doesn’t discount her dreams and takes dream interpretation seriously. [9:20]* How she engages with her intuition and her gut when making business decisions. [10:45]* The importance of being engaged in your business without micromanaging. [12:10]* The value of understanding that every first time founder is “winging it” at first. [13:34]* Advice for first time founders: be willing to ask questions and do whatever it takes. [16:21]* When Beatrice realized that she had a viable business idea: from day one! [17:27]* How she gained traction and brand awareness through the trade show circuit. [21:04]* How an email from Target changed the trajectory of the brand. [22:40]* Beatrice shares the process behind pitching to a major market retailer like Target. [24:15]* Why she recommends presenting a buyer with physical products, not 3D renders. [28:46]* Learn Beatrice’s hack for getting into retail: how to build a foundational relationship with your first major retailer. [29:50]* The positive trend in access to capital for women of color entrepreneurs in the US. [33:13]* Lessons Beatrice learned from the fundraising process, including the power of authenticity. [35:30]* Why it is important to not only focus on where your business is, but where it’s going. [38:48]* You can’t raise money until you know what you will do with it; how to know when you’re ready to start fundraising. [39:27]* Begin with the end in mind; why it’s crucial that you think about your exit strategy. [40:57]* What wealth means to Beatrice at this stage in her life: simply, happiness. [46:06]Follow Beatrice: * Website: https://thehoneypot.co/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehoneypotco/  * Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeadixon/ Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lindsay McCormick is the Founder and CEO of Bite, a brand of sustainable oral care products.Back in 2016, Lindsay was working as a TV producer on HGTV’s “House Hunters.” She was traveling the country, living out of her carry-on, and relying heavily on travel-size toiletries. While she was staying at hotels, she noticed how many of those tiny tubes of toothpaste she was using and throwing away every month. As a passion project, Lindsay was spending her nights and weekends learning how to make alternative toothpaste that was more sustainable. She invested $6,000 of her own money to start the business and has now turned it into an 8-figure company without any outside funding. We’ll talk to Lindsay about switching careers and diving into an industry she had zero experience in, her appearance on Shark Tank and what it felt like to decline Mark Cuban’s offer, and how she went from creating a product in her living room to building a multi-million dollar business.Our conversation also touches on how big and small brands can work together to shift consumer behavior, how niche businesses can compete in crowded markets, and the importance of being ok with being uncomfortable as a founder.  In this episode, we'll talk to Lindsay about:* Hear about Lindsay’s life in her early 20s and what her main goals at that time were. [2:21]* Lindsay’s decision to buy a one-way ticket to Alaska and the year of travel that followed. [5:15]* How Lindsay got her job at House Hunters and how it sparked the idea for Bite. [6:05]* Lindsay’s learning journey and what she discovered when she started exploring oral health products. [7:44]* How Lindsay created awareness for her products in the early days. [9:29]* An important lesson in serving an under-served audience, even in a crowded market. [10:29]* What Bite looked like before their viral video and how the company exploded after. [11:27]* How Lindsay found a co-packer that aligned with Bite’s ethos. [14:25]* How Bite has considered their higher price point and how customers have responded. [17:22]* Big and small brands are not competitors; they can have a symbiotic relationship. [19:18]* Why being an online company has helped Bite carve a niche for itself. [20:01]* Lindsay’s take on fundraising and her decision to bootstrap the business. [21:43]* The inspiration behind appearing on Shark Tank and what Bite was looking for. [23:19]* How going viral prepared Bite for potentially finding a partner. [28:55]* Why Bite’s biggest challenge is also their biggest opportunity. [29:29]* Getting comfortable with the constant discomfort as a founder. [30:33]* Different ways that Lindsay takes care of herself as a woman entrepreneur. [31:57]* How Lindsay cultivates her ability to be proactive rather than reactive. [34:24]* Something Lindsay is proud of that most people don’t know. [35:42]* What it has been like building a company as a couple for Lindsay and her boyfriend. [37:40]* What wealth means to Lindsay at this point in her life. [39:48]Follow Lindsay: * Website: https://bitetoothpastebits.com/  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bite/ * Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heylindsaymc/ Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexandra (Alex) Friedman is the Co-Founder and CEO of LOLA, the first lifelong brand for a woman’s body. The idea came about when Alex met her partner, Jordana Kier, and they started asking questions about what tampons are made from. In attempting to research this seemingly simple fact, they realized that next to nothing was disclosed online and they could hardly find anything about the chemicals they were unknowingly putting in their bodies.At this point, they realized that something needed to change and started a company with complete product transparency at its core, creating their first product line of organic tampons. LOLA has now expanded well beyond tampons and provides feminine care products that address every stage of a woman’s reproductive life. Alex and Jordana are on a mission to reshape the conversation around reproductive health and set a higher standard for ingredient transparency in our personal care products. The company has raised over $35 million from top-tier investors such as Spark Capital, BoxGroup, and Serena Williams, to name a few.On today’s episode, we talk to Alex about what it’s like to raise money pitching tampons to a room full of predominantly male investors as well as key advice on what it takes to disrupt an established industry. Alex also touches on grassroots brand awareness, solving a problem rather than starting a company, and what new motherhood looked like as she was scaling a high-growth business, plus so much more! In this episode, we'll talk to Alex about:* Learn about Alex’s childhood and how it has influenced her entrepreneurial journey. [2:35]* Find out how her career path prior to LOLA led her into the startup world. [3:44]* Hear the story of how she met her cofounder and had the idea for LOLA. [6:15]* The early stages of the company and what inspired her to “go all in.” [7:47]* Alex reflects on the capital raising process and why she found it so uncomfortable. [9:40]* The role that the education gap played in how Alex structured her pitches to predominantly male investors. [12:04]* How the idea for LOLA was received by her family, particularly by her sister. [14:00]* Why mentorship and feedback are critical for the growth of a business. [16:55]* How to create authentic brand awareness using focus groups and word of mouth. [18:41]* The value of creating a movement to motivate your community to spread the word. [20:48]* How LOLA met demand with a small and nimble team by buying a lot of inventory. [22:30]* Alex’s advice for women wanting to innovate in an industry they are passionate about: don’t just start a business, solve a problem. [23:06]* Challenges Alex faced with LOLA and how she overcame them, including stigma. [25:35]* LOLA’s transition from direct-to-consumer to omni-channel brand during COVID. [27:09]* What maternity leave looked like while scaling a high growth business. [29:30]* What motherhood taught Alex about leadership, including clear communication. [31:39]* Alex shares what she is most proud of: developing an extroverted side to engage investors and lead a team. [33:43]* What wealth means to Alex: having everything she needs and wants. [36:39]Follow Alex: * Website: https://mylola.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lola/ Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re mixing things up in a big way! After a year of interviewing the top women in business and entrepreneurship, we’re officially inviting our first male guest on the Behind Her Empire podcast, Marcus Lemonis. If you tune into today's interview, you’ll immediately understand why. Marcus is known for helping struggling businesses get back on their feet by investing his own money on the hit TV show, The Profit. Despite being a household name and TV personality, Marcus’ influence is far beyond television. He is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in America, serving as chairman and CEO of the multi-billion dollar company Camping World. Marcus is also one of the biggest champions out there when it comes to small business entrepreneurs, and specifically women entrepreneurs. He’s created The Lemon-AID Foundation and seeded it with $50 million of his and his wife’s own capital to focus on backing talented founders, especially women and minorities who haven’t had equal access to resources and guidance in their careers.Marcus is unapologetically vulnerable, open to sharing all parts of himself, and truly generous in wanting to help others succeed. In today’s wide-ranging interview, we talk about how to work through fear of failure & embarrassment, the realities of burnout in entrepreneurship, why he believes women are better business leaders, the importance of embracing your strengths & your flaws to be truly comfortable in your own skin, and so much more. In this episode, we'll talk to Marcus about: * How the fear of embarrassment holds us back and what we can do to move past these feelings. [4:00]* Acknowledging that privilege plays a role in taking chances. [6:01]* It is okay that you feel embarrassed; it is something we all experience. [8:50]* How Marcus uses clothes to make himself feel comfortable in his skin. [9:59]* The freedom that comes when you lean into what makes you unique. [12:45]* It is important not to make money the ultimate benchmark of success. [14:09]* The influence that Marcus's mother and grandfather had on him. [16:39]* Marcus's ultimate mission with the work that he does. [18:48]* Some of the reasons that Marcus thinks women are better businesspeople. [19:26]* You do not have to care what other people think; it is the way you think about yourself. [20:59]* Why Marcus believes the principles of running a coffee shop or a large corporation are the same. [23:17]* How entrepreneurs can develop a consumer point of view. [26:30]* Who Marcus believes should not be entrepreneurs. [28:21]* Why Marcus prefers the term business owner rather than entrepreneurship. [30:07]* Marcus's experience of burnout and why he believes business owners can’t have work-life balance. [31:11]* You have to curate your own mental, physical, and emotional health regimen. [33:13]* Marcus's advice for those of us who feel like we are not enough. [36:23]* What wealth means to Marcus at this stage in his life. [38:47]* Hear the two questions that Marcus asks Yasmin. [39:58]Follow Marcus: * Website: https://www.marcuslemonis.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcuslemonis/ * One Hundred Percent with Marcus Lemonis Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1572332094 Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Afton Vechery is the Co-Founder and CEO of Modern Fertility, a women's health company focused on making fertility information more accessible for women everywhere. In 2016, Afton embarked on a journey to understand her own fertility, and her realizations from this time laid the foundation for the company. She saw that women were not able to get the information that they needed to plan ahead at a reasonable price, and she understood that her mission had to be to change that. The company has not only built a powerful community but also has raised over $22 million from top-tier investors, and recently sold to Ro for more than $225 million. In this episode, Afton shares how a high school science project ignited an entrepreneurial flame in her and led her to pursue a career at the intersection of business and science. We hear about the extensive research she and her co-founder did before founding the company, and how this has benefited them over time. Afton also shares her refreshing view on rejection and how she views being turned down. Our conversation also touches on some of the biggest misconceptions around fertility, the empowerment that comes with knowing about your health, and Modern Fertility’s acquisition by Ro. In this episode, we’ll talk to Afton about: * The high school science project that exposed Afton to entrepreneurship early on. [2:43]* Expectations that Afton’s parents had for her after she graduated from high school. [06:28]* Afton’s first job after college and what she learned in this position. [9:44]* What Afton discovered about the world of fertility when she was working at 23andMe. [1:19]* Afton’s ‘aha moment’ when she realized the need for Modern Fertility. [12:51]* The impact that accelerators have in the beginning stages of your business. [14:42]* The reasoning behind the extensive surveying and validation that was done before launching the company. [18:03]* How Modern Fertility built community very early on, and the incredible momentum they garnered. [21:17]* Why Afton and her co-founder, Carly, decided to go with VC money and what they learned from this decision. [23:47]* There is no right way to start a company; you have to do what makes sense. [25:26]* Afton's view of rejection and why she sees it in a positive light. [25:45]* All aspects of business have their own ups and downs. [28:00]* Afton’s self-care rituals and her passion for road biking. [30:19]* Debunking some of the biggest fertility myths. [33:12]* The power of having open conversations around women’s fertility to normalize the topic. [36:16]* Insights into Modern Fertility’s recent acquisition by Ro and the reason behind this decision. [38:03]* What wealth means to Afton at this stage in her life. [41:15]Follow Afton: * Website: https://modernfertility.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernfertility/ * Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aftonvecheryFollow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexandra (Alex) Carter is a world-renowned negotiation expert, bestselling author of the book, Ask for More, and Columbia Law School Professor.The image that most of us have in our heads when we think about negotiation is people speaking over one another, fighting for the prize. But this is not what it takes to be a masterful negotiator. In fact, quite the opposite. As Alex explains in our conversation today, it’s about asking skillful questions, listening, and understanding how you can fulfill someone’s needs.  We’ll chat with Alex about her journey, and some of the formative negotiating experiences she has had along the way to help us understand why we need to all ask for more. While we might believe we are taking something away from someone when we negotiate, we are actually contributing to the upliftment of all of those around us when we get what we are worth. We talk about ways of turning a no into a yes, why negotiation is not only about money, and the value of taking time when you make decisions. Alex’s actionable, simple tactics are easy to implement, and you will undoubtedly achieve the results you are looking for if you follow her advice!In this episode, we’ll talk to Alex about: * Even in the most turbulent times, you can always ask for more. [2:35]* Hear what Alex was like growing up, the social struggles she felt she had, and how she discovered her passion for teaching and leading. [4:28]* When Alex unearthed her love of negotiation and how she applied it to her own life. [6:48]* The story of how Alex negotiated her first salary and what she learned from this. [8:09]* Why negotiation is more about asking great questions than anything else, according to Alex. [10:22]* Stories of clients Alex worked with who negotiated their salaries and improved their standing in their companies. [13:16]* No does not have to be the end of the line; it’s an opportunity to ask about the other person’s concerns. [14:51]* How Alex thinks about questions, and the role they play in negotiation. [17:19]* What Alex sees in her work with women and their thoughts of negotiation. [20:41]* Alex’s take on why negotiations are opportunities to steer relationships. [23:20]* How Alex, as a speaker, has turned no's into yes’s when negotiating speaking fees, and what other entrepreneurs can learn from this. [26:40]* Negotiating does not always have to be about money; you can find other ways to get value. [30:49]* The top three biggest mistakes people make when they negotiate. [33:50]* You are already enough, so go out there and ask for what you want. [38:32]* Unless you are working in an emergency room, you don’t have to make a decision on the spot. [39:42]* Alex’s struggles with imposter syndrome and what we can learn if we have this challenge. [42:38]* When you use your voice, you are inspiring others to do the same. [44:44]* Why Alex always knew she would be where she is today. [47:01]* Everyone, even those you look up to, struggle with imposter syndrome. [49:24]Follow Alex: * Website: https://alexcarterasks.com/ * Alex’s Book: Ask For More - 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything: https://alexcarterasks.com/book/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrabcarter/ Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cate Luzio is the founder and CEO of Luminary, a membership-based career and personal growth platform and collaboration hub.Walking away from your career when you're at the top of your game might sound like a huge gamble, but one that has certainly paid off for today’s guest. In 2018, Cate left an incredibly successful banking career to found Luminary to help women see a path toward advancement by arming them with the tools, resources, and community to propel them to the top.Although Cate was highly respected in the financial services world, having led multi-billion dollar businesses, she was acutely aware of the imbalance in the number of women who were rising to corporate leadership positions. Giving back has always been a foundational aspect of Cate’s life, and it is this spirit that led her to create a platform to help women on a path toward advancement. In today’s episode, Cate shares tips on how women can succeed in the corporate world and the importance of networking & community especially when looking for a career change. We also hear about the pivots Luminary has made during the pandemic, how to overcome the loneliness synonymous with entrepreneurship, and the value of truly reciprocal relationships in life & business.In this episode, we’ll talk to Cate about:* Insights into Cate’s childhood and a story that highlights the lessons her parents instilled in her. [2:51]* Cate’s path after college and the conversation that changed her career trajectory. [5:25]* How Cate landed in the world of banking, a sector she had never considered working in. [8:28]* Advice Cate has for women who want to succeed in the corporate world. [11:09]* What happened when Cate left her banking job and felt caught between two worlds. [15:12]* How not working gave Cate space to come up with the plan for Luminary. [16:44]* Cate’s tips for writing business plans. [17:37]* The value of going all-in on your dreams; you can always go back to your job later. [20:30]* How Luminary managed to pivot during COVID and how Cate managed this stressful time. [22:01]* How Cate’s corporate skills helped her navigate the pandemic crisis. [24:18]* The pivots Luminary has made were never a part of the business plan. [24:58]* Why it was so important for Cate to self-fund her business. [27:20]* There is so much value in being able to put your own money into your business. [29:47]* How Cate reached out to fellow entrepreneurs and the network she has created. [30:58]* The most common mistakes Cate sees early-stage entrepreneurs making. [33:02]* You need to cultivate reciprocal relationships, not just transactional ones. [35:13]Follow Cate:* Luminary Website: http://www.luminary-nyc.com/* Luminary Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bealuminary/ * Cate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cateluzio/ Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Desi Perkins is a digital content creator and Founder/CEO of her eyewear brand, Dezi, and skincare line, Dezi Skin.Before becoming a mega beauty influencer with over 4 million Instagram followers and over 3 million Youtube subscribers, Desi was working as a cocktail waitress looking to make a change in her life but wasn’t sure which step she was going to take. It all started with a last-minute Halloween costume that went viral in 2012. She used her background in art and what she learned on YouTube with special effects make-up to help make her husband’s skeleton costume come to life. This costume served as publicity for her skills and little did she know, would jumpstart her career in beauty and lead her to become the serial entrepreneur she is today.In this episode, we talk about taking chances and why you should always, even if only in a small way, do what lights your heart up because you never know where it could lead you. Desi also shares her biggest mistakes and lessons she’s learned in business, advice on dealing with negative comments online, how she’s balancing new motherhood with running her company, and even starting a second one, and so much more.In this episode, we’ll talk to Desi about:* What Desi’s upbringing was like and the massive influence her mom had on her. [2:39] * The biggest lessons Desi gained from her time in the service industry and working as a cocktail waitress. [4:51] * When Desi decided to transition out of the service industry and pursue something more aligned with what she wanted to do. [6:18] * How Desi capitalized on the attention she got from doing Steven’s Halloween makeup in 2012. [7:55] * The power of taking chances, even when you don’t know how things will work out. [8:47] * The first YouTube video Desi made and how she overcame her nerves around putting herself out there. [10:20] * There is so much room to grow with your audiences on social media platforms. [11:12] * All you have to do sometimes is start because there’s no harm trying something. [11:48] * How Desi deals with negative comments online. [12:50] * There are double standards in the way men and women who succeed are treated. [13:49] * You have to let yourself feel what you are feeling. [15:39] * Desi’s top tips for women who are looking to create content and community online. [15:41] * The biggest lessons Desi learned from starting her own business. [17:14] * Fears Desi had around starting her business and how she managed to move past them. [20:42] * Why Desi, who has a range of interests, decided to start an eyewear business. [23:45] * How Desi handled becoming a new mother while starting a new business. [0:25:39] * The change Desi has experienced in her identity becoming a mother. [29:11] * Desi’s decision to share her fertility journey online and how it was received. [30:48] * The gratitude Desi feels getting to spend so much time with her family while also doing her dream work. [32:59] * How Desi manages to stay creative as a content creator. [34:26] Follow Desi: * Dezi Skin Website: https://deziskin.com/ * Dezi Website: https://dezi.co/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desiperkins/ Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aishwarya Iyer is the founder and CEO of Brightland, a modern olive oil company that champions authenticity in the olive oil industry and celebrates good design & California living. Aishwarya was living in New York City for years, enjoying all the restaurants the city had to offer before she started cooking at home. She started to make more meals at home but, instead of feeling better, she realized she was feeling worse, and ultimately ended up having chronic stomach issues.To her surprise, she learned that the olive oil that she was using in her cooking was the main issue, discovering that 70% of the olive oil Americans consume is either rotten, rancid, or has been adulterated. After years of research into the olive oil industry, Aishwarya decided to change the game and started Brightland in 2018 with a mission to transform the relationship we have with our food.We talk to Aishwarya about her path to finding her calling after years of feeling unfulfilled, the steps she took to build the courage to launch her business, how she overcame the inner critic that so many of us struggle with, and what it takes to disrupt an industry & launch a product with little experience.In this episode, we’ll talk to Aishwarya about:* An introduction to Aishwarya, her childhood, and how it influenced her. [2:15]* How Aishwarya knew that going to NYU was the right step to take at the time. [4:57]* Marrying creativity and entrepreneurship, even in a corporate space like L'Oréal. [6:32]* The value of startup experience in learning what it means to move quickly. [8:04]* How Aishwarya’s fascination with olive oil started with personal interest. [9:15]* What her thought process was at the time and how she built the confidence to bring her entrepreneurial vision to life. [11:23]* Find out how Aishwarya overcame her inner critic using various methods. [12:54]* The infinite value of knowing what you want, and how a vision board can help. [14:13]* What support Aishwarya had during the transition into launching her own business. [14:37]* The early stages of Brightland and why Aishwarya says product is everything. [15:34]* Her rationale for launching direct-to-consumer and the relationships it enabled. [17:35]* Creating awareness about her product as a first-time entrepreneur; from building a following prior to launch to securing media placement. [18:48]* What didn’t work in the early days and what Aishwarya learned from those issues. [20:22]* Why dwelling on mistakes is pointless. [21:29]* Why Aishwarya’s experience in venture capital discouraged her during fundraising. [21:55]* Navigating which investors are the right fit for your business; having support is key. [23:30]* Some of the challenges Aishwarya has encountered, including the labor placed on female founders to become influencers. [23:58]* How to hone in on your authenticity without getting caught up in comparisons. [25:28]* Managing and avoiding burnout as the founder of a rapidly growing business. [27:39]* The most common mistakes that Aishwarya sees young entrepreneurs making. [29:48]* A little-known fact about her that she is proud of: she is a classical Indian dancer. [31:35]* Aishwarya’s definition of wealth: health and waking up feeling optimistic. [32:13]Follow Aishwarya: * Website: https://www.instagram.com/wearebrightland/ * Instagram: https://brightland.co/Follow Yasmin:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.