Dive into the enlightening stories of resilience and success from today's foremost female entrepreneurs and leaders with your host, Nancy Twine. Transitioning from a high-flying career at Goldman Sachs to founding a nine-figure beauty business, Nancy brings a wealth of experience and insight to each conversation. Makers Mindset is your invitation to the inner workings of female pioneers across sectors such as technology, beauty, fashion, healthcare, finance, and philanthropy.
Every episode unlocks an intimate look at the personal journeys of female founders, executives, and changemakers. These are women reshaping the landscape of modern business and innovation, offering listeners a front-row seat to the hurdles they've overcome and the victories they've claimed. But it's more than their professional milestones that define these leaders; it's also their commitment to prioritizing personal well-being alongside their ambitious career paths.
Tune into Makers Mindset for empowering stories and actionable insights that can spark your own path to success. Whether you're aspiring to lead, seeking to build, or simply looking for inspiration, these stories of determination, grit, and triumph will fuel your journey forward.
Makers Mindset amplifies the inspiring stories of female founders, executives, and changemakers. Each conversation explores the delicate balance between professional success and personal well-being, showcasing the victories and obstacles each guest has overcome. With insights from diverse industries including tech, beauty, fashion, healthcare, finance and philanthropy, Makers Mindset offers inspiration and valuable insights for anyone on their own path to success.
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Susan Yara of Naturium on Marketing, Retail Strategy & Selling to e.l.f. Beauty for $355M
Saison 3 · Épisode 7
jeudi 15 mai 2025 • Durée 59:37
Susan Yara’s journey to redefining skincare didn’t start in a lab—it started in front of a camera. From reporting news in the Bronx to becoming a trusted beauty voice on YouTube, Susan built a community before she ever built a brand. With her platform Mixed Makeup, she offered something rare: expert-backed, educational content for women who were underserved by the beauty industry’s hype-driven approach.
But Susan wasn’t just creating content. In 2019, she co-founded Naturium Skincare. Just four years later, she made headlines when she sold her company to e.l.f. Beauty for $355 million—and became one of the first content creators to successfully scale and exit a skincare brand.
In this episode, Nancy and Susan go deep on the realities of building a digital-first beauty brand: funding operations before revenue, pivoting from an influencer to a founder mindset, and how it’s so important to build authentic relationships with your community and retail partners. Susan shares the failures that shaped her, the influencer marketing tactics that actually work, and how she’s balancing life as a founder, mom, and now solo parent.
This is a story of vision, resilience, and reinvention. It’s proof that you don’t need to start with a perfect plan—you just need to start with purpose.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[03:12] Joining Forbes and building their first video network
[04:55] Learning the power of early digital media
[06:03] Getting into beauty and lifestyle content
[07:24] Launching Mixed Makeup to serve older audiences
[08:30] Early challenges funding high-quality content
[09:45] Lessons from Susan’s failed first business
[11:15] Trying to bootstrap her own skincare brand
[12:20] How COVID shut down her original plan
[14:42] Joining Naturium and shaping brand direction
[15:55] Why Susan moved away from “clean” marketing
[17:02] Creating formulas that simplify skincare routines
[18:08] Transitioning from influencer to business operator
[19:20] Why pricing strategy matters for repeat customers
[20:22] The shift in influencer strategy that changed everything
[21:30] How nano influencers built authentic community
[22:40] Using whitelisting to amplify UGC as ads
[23:50] What brands get wrong about influencer selection
[25:02] The power of founder-creator relationships
[26:05] Getting into Target and making it work
[27:15] Building a bold pitch retailers can’t ignore
[28:30] Launching Naturium body washes with intention
[29:45] Hiring a CMO who can become your future CEO
[30:58] The expanded role of modern CMOs
[32:00] What to look for when hiring key leaders
[33:12] Why Susan sold Naturium to e.l.f. Beauty
[34:25] Balancing work and motherhood during scale
[35:40] How moving to Miami created work-life structure
From Eczema to Tower 28: Amy Liu on Building with Purpose, Raising Smart Capital, and Owning Your Story
Saison 3 · Épisode 6
jeudi 1 mai 2025 • Durée 48:43
Amy Liu’s journey to redefining clean beauty started in her own skin. As someone with eczema, she knew firsthand the struggle of finding beauty products that were both safe and effective. The industry was full of promises, but few products delivered results without irritation.
After years of working behind the scenes at Smashbox, Kate Somerville, and Josie Maran Cosmetics, Amy found herself at a crossroads. She had built brands for others, but what about a brand built for people like her? People who wanted beauty without compromise? At 40, she took the leap and launched Tower 28, the first and only beauty brand 100% compliant with the National Eczema Association’s ingredient guidelines.
In this episode, Nancy and Amy unpack the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—overcoming the fear of failure, scaling a business while staying true to her mission, and bringing her husband on board as CFO. Recognized as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for Greater Los Angeles and one of Goldman Sachs’ most exceptional entrepreneurs, Amy has proven that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of integrity.
This is a conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of collaboration over competition. Above all, it’s a story about turning a personal struggle into a movement that’s changing the face of beauty.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[04:26] Struggling with eczema and the need for safe beauty products
[05:52] Discovering the flaws in clean beauty
[07:38] Why it took her so long to start her own business
[08:54] Getting her first investment and launching Tower 28
[10:42] Why launching at 40 was the right decision
5 Things Every Founder MUST Know Before Pitching Investors with Cristina Nuñez of True Beauty Ventures
Saison 3 · Épisode 5
jeudi 17 avril 2025 • Durée 55:40
Cristina Nuñez didn’t just break into the beauty industry—she’s redefining who gets to shape it. She started her career in traditional finance and private equity, but craved something more personal and creative. So she rolled up her sleeves and jumped into roles that strategically built beauty brands, including Laura Geller and Clark’s Botanicals.
Now, as co-founder and General Partner of True Beauty Ventures, Cristina is rewriting the VC playbook for the industry—one founder, one investment at a time. She’s not just writing checks for beauty startups; she’s building trust, offering strategy, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with brands like K18, Crown Affair, and Moon Juice. In a fundraising climate where doubt often outweighs belief, Cristina is proof that clarity, conviction, and heart still win.
In this episode, she opens up about dealing with loss, pivoting with purpose, and what it really takes to be investment-ready in today’s beauty and wellness space. Whether you're a founder looking for funds right now or still in the visioning stage, this conversation will change how you think about scaling, pitching, and the power of leading with empathy.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[00:57] Cristina’s path from finance to beauty
[02:56] Why she left investing to build brands
[04:00] Personal turning point: her father's diagnosis
[06:54] Launching True Beauty Ventures
[08:49] Doubts from male investors and pushing through
[10:54] The case for more diverse funders
[11:47] What is venture capital?
[12:56] How True Beauty Ventures is different
[15:45] The five P’s of investment readiness
Faith, Fearlessness & a Multi-Million Dollar Vision: How She Did It — Monique Rodriguez, Founder & CEO of Mielle Organics
Saison 3 · Épisode 4
jeudi 3 avril 2025 • Durée 56:27
Monique Rodriguez’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and bold reinvention. She dedicated nearly a decade to healthcare as a registered nurse, but the loss of her son in 2013 shifted everything. In the wake of that tragedy, Monique found clarity—and the courage to follow a lifelong passion for beauty. With no formal business background, she launched Mielle Organics from her kitchen and built it into one of the fastest-growing textured haircare brands in the country.
Now, Mielle Organics is not only a staple in major retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS, but also a study in authentic brand-building. Her approach is rooted in community, education, and transparency. As the CEO, she’s built trust by simply being herself—from going live every day during the pandemic to letting customers weigh in on packaging decisions. She’s also navigated the complex world of retail expansion by knowing when to say no and when to scale up.
In 2021, Mielle took on private equity for the first time. Just 18 months later, she and her COO, who happens to be her husband, Melvon, sold the company to P&G — but not before making sure the deal would preserve the integrity of the brand. Monique still runs the company today, and she’s focused on building a legacy, not just a business.
Monique recently added “author” to her list of titles with a book that helps people find purpose in their own stories. She lives in Chicago with her family, where she balances leading a global brand with slow mornings, warm lemon water, and staying grounded in faith.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[07:52] Starting a business without experience or connections
[08:34] Learning the business side and asking for help
[09:20] The challenge of raising capital as a Black female founder
[10:10] Bootstrapping Mielle before taking on funding
[10:59] Why Monique turned down Walmart the first time
How Fabletics is Winning Retail with AI & Membership Models – Meera Bhatia
Saison 3 · Épisode 3
jeudi 20 mars 2025 • Durée 32:06
Meera Bhatia’s career is a masterclass in transformation, bridging the worlds of technology and retail. She started at Microsoft, Expedia, and LinkedIn, where data and innovation were king. But instead of staying in the tech lane, she saw something others didn’t: the power of technology to reshape the retail landscape.
Now, as the Chief Operating Officer of Fabletics and President of TechStyleOS, Meera is rewriting the rules of fashion commerce. She doesn’t just oversee growth, technology, and supply chain operations—she orchestrates them, weaving AI, data, and personalization into an omnichannel experience that keeps millions of members engaged. In an industry where trends come and go, she’s building a model designed to last. Her approach is simple but powerful: Meet the customers where they are, innovate fearlessly, and always stay ahead of the curve.
Meera’s leadership includes roles at Stella & Dot and Savage x Fenty, where she merged consumer insights with digital strategy. She lives in Los Angeles, where she balances the intensity of scaling brands with embracing wellness and staying active.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[01:17] Meera’s transition from tech to retail
[02:41] The role of technology in modern retail
[04:03] Understanding customer needs through data
[05:26] How Fabletics’ membership model drives engagement
[06:48] Challenges and benefits of a subscription-based business
[08:14] Why personalization is crucial in e-commerce
[09:37] Leveraging AI for better customer experiences
[11:02] How businesses can start small with AI
[12:29] The importance of an omnichannel retail strategy
Brigette Romanek on Scaling a Creative Business, Celebrity Clients & her new Book Livable Luxury
Saison 3 · Épisode 2
jeudi 6 mars 2025 • Durée 46:30
Brigette Romanek is an acclaimed interior designer and the founder of Romanek Design Studio. In this episode, Brigette shares her journey from a self-taught design enthusiast to one of the most sought-after interior designers, working with A-list clients like Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Christian Bale.
Since launching her studio in 2018, Brigette has been consistently recognized on Architectural Digest’s AD100 and First Dibs 50 lists. She was named an Elle Decor Titan in 2024. In this conversation, she opens up about building a successful creative business, trusting her instincts over formal training, balancing luxury with functionality, and staying resilient in an ever-evolving industry.
Brigette is also the author of the bestselling book Livable Luxe, which showcases her signature design approach: beautiful, livable spaces that support and inspire. Whether you're an aspiring designer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves stunning interiors, this episode is packed with wisdom, creativity, and business-savvy insights you won’t want to miss.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[03:52] Exposure to global design through travel
[05:36] Trusting instinct over formal training
[06:01] Challenging traditional design rules
[07:11] Blending luxury with functionality
[08:52] Creating spaces that feel lived in
[09:30] Making client visions a reality
[10:21] Customizing designs for each project
[11:19] Writing the book Livable Luxe
[12:57] The power of storytelling in design
[14:07] Walking as a form of creative reset
The Business of Beauty: How Shani Darden Built a Multi-Million Dollar Brand
Saison 3 · Épisode 1
jeudi 20 février 2025 • Durée 26:00
Shani Darden, the founder of Shani Darden Skincare, has built a name as Hollywood’s go-to skincare expert. She is trusted by stars like Jessica Alba, Chrissy Teigen, and Kelly Rowland for her results-driven approach. After training under a top dermatologist, she developed her own formulations, launching her flagship studio in Beverly Hills in 2019 and securing a coveted spot at Sephora in 2020.
In this episode, Shani talks about how she went from mixing masks in her childhood home to creating one of the most sought-after skincare brands. She opens up about navigating the beauty industry, building a brand without a roadmap, and staying hands-on with clients while scaling a business. You’ll hear her insights on effective product development, the power of social media, and the strategies she learned over her career.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[04:08] Creating Retinol Reform and entering the skincare industry
[05:14] Transitioning from service-based work to product development
[06:27] Challenges in launching a skincare brand
[07:35] The importance of trial and error in product creation
[08:42] How Sephora became a major retail partner
[09:56] The role of packaging and refining the brand
[10:45] Building a team that aligns with brand values
[11:33] Why hiring slow is crucial for long-term success
[12:18] Social media’s impact on personal branding
[13:09] How client feedback shapes product development
[14:21] The challenges of balancing retail deadlines with product quality
Welcome Back to Makers Mindset: Season 3
Saison 3
jeudi 13 février 2025 • Durée 01:08
Season 3 of Makers Mindset is here, bringing even deeper insights, bold conversations, and actionable strategies for entrepreneurs, visionaries, and leaders. Hosted by Nancy Twine, this season continues to explore the journeys of top founders, business leaders, and changemakers.
Over the past two seasons, Makers Mindset has uncovered the pivotal moments, challenges, and mindset shifts that shape extraordinary careers. This season goes even further, offering real-world strategies, habits, and behind-the-scenes experiences that define lasting success.
The first episode of Season 3 premieres on February 20th.
In conversation with Anastasia Soare, Founder and CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills
Saison 2 · Épisode 8
jeudi 5 décembre 2024 • Durée 46:23
Powerhouse entrepreneur Anastasia Soare is the founder, CEO, and driving force behind Anastasia Beverly Hills — one of the fastest-growing brands in the beauty industry. After immigrating from Romania in 1989, she started her business as a one-woman operation and quickly created a revolutionary technique now known as the Golden Ratio Eyebrow Shaping Method. She went on to build an empire — and she’s certainly raised a few eyebrows along the way. Anastasia is passionate about sharing her journey to inspire others, and believes that if she can do it, anyone can.
In conversation with Ginny Wright, CEO of Audemars Piguet, Americas
Saison 2 · Épisode 7
jeudi 21 novembre 2024 • Durée 34:21
Ginny Wright is an experienced leader with a robust background in luxury brand management. She’s held pivotal roles, including president of Kiehl's and global deputy GM at Ralph Lauren Fragrances, along with strategic positions at L'Oréal Luxe. Known for her strategic and innovative approach to growth, Ginny has significantly boosted brand prestige and consumer engagement at the companies she's served. She always talks about owning your mistakes so that you can grow and ultimately thrive — and why she never backs down from a challenge.
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