Matilda Djerf sits down with Maggie Sellers Reum to share the highs and lows of being a public female founder and what she really wishes people knew. The now 29-year-old opens up about what type of leader she is now after explaining what really happened at Djerf Avenue, what it was like knowing the article was coming months in advance, and how she handled the pressure of protecting a $36M brand in real time Matilda shares the full founder playbook. From landing culture-defining collabs (including Frankie’s Bikinis and Sofia Richie Graine) to building a brand that people line up for, Matilda breaks down how to secure your dream partnership, protect your team, and keep scaling when the internet is loud. Plus: Scandi-living, her upcoming wedding, and yes, the iconic hair. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:24) Does Matilda Djerf Listen to Podcasts? (01:44) How She Became a Hair Icon (03:17) What She Was Like at School (03:41) Starting in Fashion at 11 (04:24) Moving to the US Without Speaking English (06:46) Why She Stayed in Sweden (Not LA) (07:56) Small Town Mindset vs Big Dreams (09:11) Why She Started Gathered (10:14) The Creator Economy Has Changed (12:29) Becoming A House Hold Name (14:35) The Truth About Scandi Living (15:33) Why Work-Life Balance Doesn’t Exist (16:40) I Accidentally Started a Lifestyle Trend (18:03) Why Sweden Doesn’t Celebrate Success (19:14) Turning 29: “I Did This” (20:06) The Work Behind Self-Confidence (21:31) Why She Started Djerf Avenue (26:47) Can the Brand Exist Without Her? (27:51) How Hailey Bieber Discovered Her (29:08) Ad: AG1 (30:08) What She Learned From Hailey Bieber (31:06) How She Makes Every Collab Work (31:40) How She Landed Sofia Richie Grainge (32:53) How She Knows a Drop Will Sell Out (34:20) Brands With Real Momentum Right Now (36:22) What Actually Makes a Brand Win (37:06) The Djerf Avenue Scandal Explained (40:12) Going Through It With Rasmus (40:54) How She Handled the Pressure Mentally (42:16) “People Don’t Care About Context” (44:27) Did the Scandal Make Her Better? (47:36) How She Feels About It Now (49:57) Who Works at Djerf Avenue? (51:36) Ad: Shopify (52:31) Ad: Bilt (53:28) How She Got Into Selfridges (56:19) What She’s Manifesting Now (56:59) Wedding Chat & Relationship Advice  (59:24) Do You And Rasmus Have Contracts? (01:00:24) Why Trust Has to Be Earned (01:03:15) Rapid Fire: Money Habits (01:03:26) Most Expensive Purchase (01:03:56) Dream Collaboration (01:04:30) Blowout vs Real Life (01:04:53) Dyson Airwrap vs Rhode (01:05:14) New York vs LA (01:05:39) Robe vs Blazer (01:06:21) Her Life Motto (01:06:46) The Season I’m In (01:07:16) Where to Find Matilda (01:07:47) What Can HSR Help You With? ⸻ Sponsors: . AG1 - Visit DrinkAG1.com/HSR to get a FREE morning person mug, plus a one-week supply of AG1 samples, with your AG1 Welcome Kit when you first subscribe.  . Shopify - http://Shopify.com/HSR  . Bilt - Sign up at http://Joinbilt.com/HSR ⸻ Follow Matilda Djerf: www.instagram.com/matildadjerf Check out Djerf Avenue: https://djerfavenue.com ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Your Business & Culture Gossip For ambitious women wanting to own the room, gain power, and build wealth. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to invest, build wealth, and spot winning brands early - according to a $2B fund manager!  Courtney Reum (investor, founder… and my husband!) breaks down how he actually decides what’s worth investing in and the mistakes most people make with money. From Khloe Kardashian’s Khloud protein chips to the $500M BuzzBallz story, we get into what makes a consumer brand take off and what quietly kills it. If you’ve ever wanted to start investing, build real wealth, or understand how these brands actually win - this is for you! Timestamps: 00:01:37 Investing Expert… And My Husband 00:03:11 The $500M BuzzBallz Divorce Story 00:06:34 Can You Build This Brand? 00:07:36 Why I Waited To Start A Brand 00:09:32 When To Start Your Business 00:11:37 How Smart Investors Judge Risk 00:13:17 Why Celebrities Are Investing 00:16:55 Do Brands Need Celebrities? 00:18:19 Khloe Kardashian’s Khloud Review 00:22:57 Fiverr Ad 00:24:07 Smash Kitchen Chips Review 00:25:59 My Food Brand Framework 00:29:23 Red Flags In Investing 00:33:30 The Coinbase Investment Story 00:35:25 Traits Of Billionaire Founders 00:37:42 Maggie’s HSR Founder Edge 00:38:47 Followers Or Resume Virtues? 00:40:16 Is An MBA Worth It? 00:42:40 Is Goldman Still Prestigious? 00:45:13 Stan Ad 00:46:16 How To Get Into VC 00:47:59 Why Women Apply Less For Jobs 00:49:39 Rapid Fire Investing Advice 00:49:55 Last Credit Card Purchase 00:50:29 Spend On Experiences Instead 00:50:51 Best Newsletter Right Now 00:51:09 Using AI For Newsletters 00:52:46 Worst Investment Mistakes 00:54:25 My Proudest Accolade 00:54:47 Food, Wellness Or AI? 00:55:25 My Biggest Investment Win 00:56:43 Why Brands Need Family Offices 00:59:11 What Is A Family Office? 01:00:40 How To Reach Family Offices 01:01:16 Mr HSR’s New Email ⸻ Sponsors: Fiverr - If you are scaling a business, then you need to visit https://pro.fiverr.com Stan - Learn more at http://getstanley.ai/maggie ⸻ Follow Courtney Reum: www.instagram.com/courtneyreum Find out more about M13 Venture Capital: www.m13.co ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Your Business & Culture Gossip For ambitious women wanting to own the room, gain power, and build wealth. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sabrina Zohar breaks down what’s really driving modern dating, from the pressure for instant certainty to anxious attachment, avoidance, and burnout. She explores how trauma shapes attraction, why great chemistry (or sex on the first date) doesn’t equal compatibility, and how modern dating dynamics can dysregulate the nervous system. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, and her own journey from heartbreak to building a multi-million-dollar business featured on Shark Tank, Sabrina shares practical tools for setting boundaries, trusting yourself, and dating with intention - without losing your ambition. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:41 Dating Is a Hot Mess (Here’s Why) 00:02:20 The Science of Dating Multiple People 00:04:27 What You Must Unlearn to Have a Healthy Relationship 00:05:29 Avoidant Attachment: Why Ambitious Women Struggle With Love 00:07:23 Dating While Building a Company 00:09:51 How Hard Should Dating Actually Feel? 00:11:04 Avoidance, Burnout & “No Good Men Left” 00:13:21 Dating Explained in Money Terms ($10K vs $100K) 00:14:53 How You Actually Learn Self-Worth 00:16:04 Build Emotional Safety With Micro-Yeses 00:18:34 Why Asking for Help Feels So Scary 00:19:09 3 Things Women Must Learn Before Healthy Love 00:20:51 Shopify Ad 00:22:13 The Only Questions That Matter After a Date 00:24:03 Do Men and Women Date Differently? 00:25:14 Why Situationships Are Everywhere 00:27:02 Avoidance Disguised as “Going Slow” 00:30:17 Love Bombing vs Real Interest 00:31:24 Why Setting Boundaries Feels Impossible 00:32:19 Why Women Seek Approval to Be Chosen 00:33:52 How to Spot Someone Ready for Love 00:35:27 Why You Have to Grieve to Move On 00:37:38 Subtle Red Flags Most People Miss 00:40:42 The Yellow Cab Theory (Timing Beats Love) 00:41:47 Is There Ever a “Right Time” to Date? 00:43:36 Why Triggers Are Actually a Good Thing 00:45:29 When Sharing Trauma Backfires 00:46:50 Beehiiv Ad 00:48:11 Stan Store Ad Read 00:49:25 How Narcissists Use Your Story Against You 00:50:51 When Vulnerability Was Weaponized 00:52:37 The Shark Tank Moment That Changed Everything 00:57:09 Why the “Soft Pivot” Worked When Nothing Else Did 00:58:55 When Your Identity Is Tied to Your Work 00:59:09 “Choose Danger” When You Post Content 01:00:04 Service Business vs Product Business Power 01:01:50 Would She Ever Build Products Again? 01:02:11 When Content Became a Real Media Business 01:03:13 Why Followers Don’t Equal Money 01:04:11 The Fear of Losing Everything 01:05:28 Sabrina’s Next Growth Chapter 01:06:59 Last Thing She Put on Her Credit Card 01:07:10 Most Expensive Thing She’s Bought 01:07:22 Walk or Dinner on a First Date? 01:07:23 Coffee or Walk on a First Date? 01:07:33 Favorite Comfort Creator 01:08:19 Favorite Celebrity Relationship 01:08:40 Celebrity Couples That Should Break Up 01:08:54 Creator Brands She Respects 01:09:21 Naming This Season of Her Life 01:10:00 Where to Find Sabrina ⸻ Episode Sponsors: Shopify - http://Shopify.com/HSR beehiiv - http://www.beehiiv.com/hsr?utm_campaign=hsr-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hsr&utm_term=2026-02-11&stripe_campaign_code=HSR30 Stan - http://getstanley.ai/maggie ⸻ Follow Sabrina Zohar: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrina.zohar Podcast: www.instagram.com/thesabrinazoharshow ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreumLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Valeria Lipovetsky signed a prenup at 21 and navigated an 18-year age-gap marriage. She reveals how she turned her real-life story into content, building a media empire reaching over 150M people each month. Maggie and Valeria explore how early conversations around marriage, money, and independence shaped the way Valeria built her career - and ultimately led to the creation of Creator Method, her framework for helping creators turn content into sustainable businesses. Valeria breaks down what successful creators do differently to last long-term: using vulnerability with intention, navigating public judgement, and growing with the support of their community. She also reflects on how failure, missteps, and knowing when to pivot played a key role in everything she’s built. Timestamps: 00:00:00  Intro  00:01:58 How Valeria Reached 150M+ People a Month 00:02:30 “I Had a Fear of Attention Growing Up” 00:03:34 Growing Up Between Russia & Canada With A Powerful Mum 00:04:52 Modelling Around the World at Just 16 00:06:02 Getting Married at 20: How I Met My Husband 00:07:35 “Your Life Is Your Art” The Mindset That Changed Everything 00:09:35 The Moment $10K Turned My Content Into a Business 00:11:40 I Had No Idea How Talented I Was 00:13:57 How Creators Build a Real Bond With Their Community 00:15:40 It Took Me 7 Years to Call Myself an Entrepreneur 00:16:37 When to Pivot: What the Kardashians Get Right 00:19:09 Why I Wanted to Start My Own Businesses 00:20:17 Why I Celebrate Failure (With Champagne) 00:21:50 What Posting Online Taught Me About Myself 00:22:30 Why I Chose to Go Back to Content Creation 00:23:24 Is There Something Deeper Driving You? 00:26:04 Being Compared to Tony Robbins & Creating The Creator Method 00:30:13 What Actually Makes a Creator Stand Out Today 00:32:22 The Future of the Creator Economy 00:33:38 Beehiiv Ad 00:35:00 My Framework for Starting Over 00:35:21 How to Start When You Have a Business Idea 00:36:13 Maggie’s Biggest Regret 00:36:57 Why Your 20s Aren’t Just About Making Mistakes 00:38:58 Our Marriage Dynamic Today 00:40:07 What Really Happens in an Age-Gap Relationship 00:41:45 “I Want My Husband to Lead” 00:43:17 Power, Decisions & Equality in Our Marriage 00:45:58 Disagreeing in Public & Handling Criticism 00:48:18 The Unspoken Rules That Hold Our Marriage Together 00:49:31 Signing a Prenup at 21: My Experience 00:52:14 How I Feel About Our Prenup 14 Years Later 00:56:05 How We Think About Money as a Couple 00:57:20 Taking Big Financial Risks (Without Being a Finance Expert) 00:58:57 The Last Thing I Put on My Credit Card 00:59:31 More Followers or Higher Engagement? 00:59:42 Instagram, YouTube, or Podcast? Pick One 01:00:10 How Many Photos Are on My Phone? 01:01:45 Canada or the US? 01:01:50 If I Had to Name This Season of My Life… ⸻ Episode Sponsor: beehiiv - Use code HSR30 at http://www.beehiiv.com/hsr?utm_campaign=hsr-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hsr&utm_term=2026-02-04&stripe_campaign_code=HSR30 ⸻ Follow Valeria Lipovetsky: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky Website: https://valeriainc.com/ ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirsty Godso is the trainer behind Olivia Rodrigo, Hailey Bieber and Kaia Gerber. After 13.5 years inside Nike, she became the face of Vuori through a multi-million-dollar brand partnership. She reveals what celebrities actually do to build their bodies, why most high-intensity workouts fail, how she sets goals for clients, the truth about protein products, common keto mistakes, and the red flags hiding in “healthy” foods - plus her take on Alo, Lululemon and why the athleisure industry keeps rapidly growing. 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:23 Celebrity Trainer: What Wellness Really Means 00:03:08 Why Women Say Wellness & Men Say Fitness 00:03:50 I Never Planned To Train Hailey Bieber & Kaia Gerber 00:04:55 How Nike Discovered Me 00:07:24 Inside The Billion-Dollar Athleisure Wars (Nike vs Alo vs Vuori) 00:08:41 Why Alo Looks Tacky 00:10:16 What's Wrong With Lululemon 00:11:17 How Vuori Grew 44% While Other Brands Stalled 00:13:32 Do Celebrity Deals Really Build Athleisure Brands? 00:17:03 Why 2016 HIIT Culture Broke Women’s Bodies 00:18:29 How Many HIIT Workouts You Should Actually Do 00:20:31 How I Set Goals For Kaia Gerber & Olivia Rodrigo 00:22:22 The Two Workout Mistakes Everyone Makes 00:23:44 Why I Never Set Weight-Loss Goals 00:26:49 The Goal-Setting Lesson That Changed Everything 00:28:46 beehiiv Ad 00:30:07 How Stress & Hyperfixation Ruin Results 00:32:42 Why Exercise Is Back As The #1 Resolution 00:34:35 Kirsty’s Take On The New Body Era 00:35:55 Celebrity Protein Brands — What’s Really Going On? 00:38:06 Protein Label Red Flags (Don’t Buy This) 00:40:18 What I Throw Out Of Clients’ Kitchens 00:43:15 Why Most People Quit Before Results Show 00:45:23 “You’re A 6/10” - The Mindset Shift That Works 00:47:11 Tough Love vs Self-Trust In Motivation 00:50:51 Cozy Earth Ad 00:51:57 Hoffman, Trauma & My Need For Control 00:58:26 Leaving Nike: Realising My Success Was Always Me 01:00:19 The Signs It’s Time To Leave Your Job 01:02:31 The Truth Behind My $2M Vuori Deal 01:04:14 When The Internet Finds Out Your Worth 01:05:49 Why I’m Betting On My Own Businesses Now 01:08:23 Femininity, Fashion & Body Confidence 01:10:56 Dating In LA & “Hot Smart Foreign” 01:14:10 Rapid Fire: Range Rover, Coffee & Cold Plunges 01:16:03 “Burn 2.0” - Naming This Season Of Life 01:16:43 Where To Find Kirsty Godso 01:16:49 What HSR Should Help Her With Next ⸻ Episode Sponsors: beehiiv - Use code HSR30 at http://www.beehiiv.com/hsr?utm_campaign=hsr-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hsr&utm_term=2026-01-28 Cozy Earth - http://cozyearth.com with code HSR, or until February 8th you can Buy One Get One Free on pajamas with code: HSRBOGO ⸻ . 50% off your first month of Pyro when signing up for a monthly membership using code HOT50. Users can use this link and it will automatically apply at checkout for them:https://pyro.kirstygodso.com/register?promocode=HOT50&plan=6705c9272ca6753176671a442 . 15% off an order of Made Of Protein with code HSR used at checkout on:https://madeof.life ⸻ Follow Kirsty Godso:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstygodsoWebsite: https://www.kirstygodso.com/ ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Sephora losing its crown? How is Olive Young rewriting beauty retail? And should you really be using AI to plan your menstrual cycle - including when to date? Creators are turning their knowledge into paid AI advisors. Mel Robbins is building a protein empire. Founders are publicly sharing revenue and fundraises. And GAP hiring a Chief Entertainment Officer may redefine how brands grow in 2026… In this episode, Maggie and Katie break down their hottest 2026 predictions - so you can spot what’s next before everyone else does. Maggie & Katie discuss: . Sephora vs Ulta vs Olive Young and the new beauty status symbol . Korea’s speed-to-shelf advantage and trend-first retail . Scheduling your business and dating life around your cycle (and using AI to do it) . The “everything shower” and why beauty admin is a mental health reset . Paid AI advisors, AI therapy, and the creator IP problem . Why “human verified” will beat the blue check . Founders disclosing revenue, salaries, and fundraises in 2026 . Why being disliked is a badge of honour (and why it works) . Why VC is dying for consumer brands and family offices are rising . The brands that will win by entertaining, not selling . Celebrity “beauty brands” are over: protein is next Breaking News About Sephora x Olive Young Partnership: Sephora newsroom - https://newsroom.sephora.com/sephora-and-olive-young-partner-to-bring-the-best-of-korean-beauty-to-sephora-consumers/ Business of Fashion:: https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/beauty/sephora-olive-young-partnership-2026/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:38 The “Everything Shower” Reset - When Self-Care Becomes Survival 02:35 Why Balance Doesn’t Exist – Scheduling Life Around Your Cycle 04:14 Using AI to Plan Your Cycle, Work and Dating Life 05:14 Would You Pay for AI Therapy? The Tony Robbins AI Debate 07:40 AI Will Replace Therapy - Why We Disagree 09:04 Human-Verified Will Beat the Blue Checkmark 09:37 AI Copycats, Idea Theft and the Future of Originality 11:36 Is Sephora Losing Its Crown? 12:15 Olive Young’s Korean Playbook Changing Beauty Retail 13:53 Why Korean Brands Move Faster Than Sephora 15:53 Trend-First Stores – The Olive Young Advantage 16:42 Why Sephora Isn’t Adapting Fast Enough 18:08 Product-First Consumers Are Rewriting Beauty 18:45 The Coming Shake-Up in the Beauty Industry 19:16 beehiiv Ad Read 20:37 Founders Building in Public 21:37 Why Humans Crave Connection More Than Ever 22:34 Should Founders Share Revenue and Salaries? 24:48 The Hidden Cost of Radical Transparency 26:07 Being Disliked as a Badge of Honor 27:42 You Can’t Find Your Audience Without Criticism 30:48 Cozy Earth Ad Read 31:53 Why Family Offices Are Replacing VCs 36:23 Steven Bartlett’s Groq Investment – Low Effort, High Impact 37:11 Pitching VCs Is a Waste of Time IF… 38:02 Brands Must Entertain, Not Sell - GAP’s Pivot! 40:11 The Two Influencers Every Brand Should Study 41:56 Celebrity Protein Is the New Beauty Boom 43:51 Mel Robbins, Khloe Kardashian and the Protein Gold Rush 47:00 How Should We End Podcast Episodes Better? Episode Sponsors: beehiiv - Use code HSR30 at http://www.beehiiv.com/hsr?utm_campaign=hsr-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hsr&utm_term=2026-01-21 Cozy Earth - http://cozyearth.com with code HSR ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers ⸻ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jaclyn Johnson built her company, Create & Cultivate, from nothing - and later sold it for a $22 million exit!  But life changed completely when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. The success she worked for left her burned out, depressed, and forced to start over. What followed was a total reset. Divorce. Moving cities alone. Hiring a dating coach. Rebuilding her identity at 40… Today, Jaclyn has successfully bought her original business back, has launched 2 more and continues her work as a longtime angel investor, having backed and championed female founders throughout her career. She reveals how she spots winning startups, why staying bootstrapped was her biggest business mistake, and how money changed the way people treated her. Jaclyn Discusses:  Your Body Keeps the Receipts: How her breast cancer diagnosis made her realise health is her real wealth and what she wishes she’d understood earlier. Reinventing Yourself: How she rebuilt her identity at 40 and how you can do the same when the life you’ve built no longer fits. Angel Investing Wins: How she approaches angel investing, what she looks for in founders, and why one small check can change everything. Timestamps 00:00:00  Intro 00:02:57  Why Starting Over At 40 Felt Like A Gamble 00:05:35  Dating Again At 40 “I Was Too In My Masculine” 00:07:29 Lessons From A Dating Coach - From Anxious Attachment To Secure  00:10:24  I Sold My Company… And My Life Fell Apart 00:13:44 The Strange Sadness After Selling A Business 00:14:53 Can You Build A Huge Business Without Sacrificing Your Life? 00:16:36  Growing Up With Entrepreneur Parents 00:18:47 “You Won’t Build Real Wealth From A 9-5” Jaclyn's Money Rules 00:20:37 The $12,000 Angel Investment That Paid Out Millions 00:22:39 beehiiv Ad  00:24:01 What The Perfect Employee Actually Looks Like Today 00:27:12 I Sold My Company - Then What? 00:33:45  Why Jaclyn Refused To Be CEO Again 00:35:01 Some People Are Built For Stress - Others Aren’t 00:36:29 Jaclyn’s Biggest Regret - Not Raising Venture Capital 00:38:12 Why Women Must Talk About Money Openly 00:40:45 The Money Rules Jaclyn Lives By 00:44:48 How Men And Women Think About Money Differently 00:46:46 How To Pitch Investors Without Selling A Fantasy 00:48:05 Cozy Earth Ad 00:49:11 Should You Start Angel Investing? Here’s How To Know 00:51:29 How To Spot Winning Startups Early 00:52:45 The Smallest And Biggest Cheques She’s Ever Written 00:53:25 How To Break Into Angel Investing Without Capital 00:56:14 Getting Equity By Advising Instead Of Investing 00:57:10 Jaclyn’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis 01:02:41 How Cancer Changed Her Relationship With Money And Success 01:03:53 When Your Body Forces You To Pay Attention 01:05:28 The Advice She Says Could Save Your Life 01:08:18 How To Stop Falling Back Into Dark Periods 01:09:30 Rapid Fire: Credit Cards, Therapy & First Class Flights 01:12:21 Where To Find Jaclyn Online Episode Sponsors: . beehiiv - http://www.beehiiv.com/hsr?utm_campaign=hsr-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hsr&utm_term=2026-01-14 . Cozy Earth - http://cozyearth.com with code HSR ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreumLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellersShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellersAmazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers  ⸻ Follow Jaclyn Johnson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Bartlett, the host of The Diary Of A CEO, opens up about something he rarely talks about: his relationship. He’s just announced he is engaged to be married! And his take is simple: independence isn’t the flex we think it is! If you want that dream life, you’re going to need someone to build it with! We dive into the mental frameworks that have made Steven the success he is today and why his quitting framework is your 2026 super power. And if you're a creator or an aspiring creator you’re going to want to listen to this! This is the perfect episode for setting your goals and intentions for your most ambitious year yet. ⸻ Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro00:02:26 Why Steven Never Wears Shoes 00:03:46 Handling Pressure: The Lesson Padel Taught Steven00:07:28 Confidence Rituals That Work00:08:40 Steven’s Mental State (Cold + Rational)00:11:03 Why Steven Stays Emotionally Neutral00:12:19 Making Decisions Without Certainty00:14:49 Your Best/Worst Decision Is People (Hiring Truth)00:16:56 The Culture Test Steven Swears By (FlightStory)00:19:43 “Paper Walls”: The Invisible Rules Holding You Back00:26:54 Childhood Failure Creates Adult Confidence00:28:05 People-Pleasing Keeps You Trapped00:30:01 Shopify Ad00:31:23 Maggie’s First Upload (Online Ridicule)00:32:56 Steven’s 3 Rules for Hot Smart Rich00:36:58 Why Thinking About Death Is Liberating00:38:25 How to Find Your Mission (Stack Small Wins)00:44:39 Can Anyone Be a Creator?00:45:28 The 1% Rule That Built a Global Podcast00:49:24 Steven’s Quit Framework00:53:50 Embarrassment Is the Price of Entry (Creators)00:56:01 First Principles: How Steven Thinks01:00:10 How to Build Yourself Into a Top Creator00:58:07 Those 3 Pinned Posts Explained01:01:19 Bilt Ad01:02:23 Cozy Earth Ad01:03:29 Why Those 3 Photos Are Pinned (Meaning)01:04:40 A Voice Note From Mel01:06:32 “Romantic Independence” Is a Mistake01:09:33 Make Dependency Sexy Again (Relationship ROI)01:11:50 What a Successful Relationship Actually Takes01:14:27 Conflict Resolution That Works01:16:00 “I Felt Like the Failure” (Steven’s Childhood)01:17:01 Youngest Sibling Energy: Bend the World01:20:42 The Spider & The Barrier (Breaking Paper Walls)01:23:14 Why Advice Doesn’t Land01:23:55 Not Knowing Early Is a Superpower01:26:08 Rapid Fire: Last Thing You Bought01:26:24 “WAIT… YOU’RE ENGAGED?!”01:26:57 Why Steven Finally Chose Commitment01:28:29 The Engagement Ring Story01:28:58 Describe the Ring (Details)01:30:09 Avoidant Attachment & Changing Your Pattern01:31:53 Modern Dating: Too Many Options, Less Love 01:35:11 Fatherhood: Trusting the Next Chapter01:37:29 How Marriage Changed Maggie01:40:03 Love + Ambition Can Coexist01:42:54 More Rapid Fire01:43:19 Steven’s Favourite DOAC Episode01:44:35 Eggs or Watermelon Forever?01:44:52 Working With a Superfan01:46:24 Steven’s Favourite Podcast01:47:03 What He’d Call This Season of His Life01:47:54 Steven’s Biggest Achievement (Explain Like You’re 10)01:49:16 How Can Hot Smart Rich Help You Right Now Shopify - http://Shopify.com/HSR Bilt - http://joinbilt.com/hsr Cozy Earth - http://cozyearth.com with code HSR ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers  ⸻ Follow Steven Bartlett: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven Diary Of A CEO: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDiaryOfACEO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What engagement rings are actually worth investing in through 2026? And is lab-grown worth it? Ring Concierge founder Nicole Wegman - who built a $100M+ jewelry brand with diamonds - joins Maggie to break down the trends shaping engagement rings right now, the lab-grown vs natural diamond debate, and why “engagement season” creates so much pressure. She also shares the real founder story behind Ring Concierge: starting with $2,000, bootstrapping to $100M+ in sales, and what it takes to scale from scrappy entrepreneur to CEO without losing the aesthetic, the community, or yourself. We also talk about the unspoken side of success - how money and reputation can change the people around you - and why Nicole built a nine-figure business without outside investment by designing around what women actually want: clarity, taste, trust, and a brand that feels like you. ⸻ Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:50 Why Engagement Season Feels So Intense 00:02:43 The Social Media Ring Pressure Nobody Admits 00:04:30 Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez & The New Ring Trends 00:06:12 Designer vs CEO: What Nicole Calls Herself 00:07:30 The Most Expensive Rings I’ve Ever Sold 00:08:14 The Ring Styles That Hold Their Value 00:08:34 Lab-Grown vs “Real” Diamonds: The Truth 00:11:36 The Real Average Cost of an Engagement Ring 00:12:28 How De Beers Shaped “Real” Diamonds 00:13:48 Engagement Rings Are Status Symbols (Let’s Be Honest) 00:14:31 How To Tell Your Partner You Want A Different Ring 00:15:46 Starting Ring Concierge In The Diamond District 00:17:05 Entering A High-Cost Industry Without Big Money 00:18:11 How Nicole Turned $2,000 Into $100M+ 00:19:18 Building 1M Followers On A Luxury Brand Account 00:21:09 Why I Didn’t Build A Personal Brand Until Now 00:23:00 Personal Brand: Honest, Unfiltered, And A Working Mum 00:24:17 How To Stay “Luxury” While Showing Real Life 00:25:18 Why You Should Test New Opportunities 00:26:30 Who Ring Concierge Is Really For (And Why It Works) 00:27:24 Beehiiv Ad Read 00:28:46 Influencer ROI: How We Choose Who To Work With 00:31:07 Why I Shared $100M Revenue (And What It Changed) 00:33:46 Bootstrapping & Why I Didn’t Raise Money 00:35:06 The Sacrifices No One Talks About (Including Kids) 00:35:59 The Real Advice: Hard Work, Luck, And Timing 00:37:06 Two Entrepreneurs, One Marriage: How We Make It Work 00:39:05 People Treated Me Differently After $100M Went Public 00:41:42 Taking Investment: Why Webster Capital Made Sense 00:43:15 When Men Started Treating Me Differently 00:45:00 I Don’t Have A Board… And That Might Be A Mistake 00:45:59 The Book That Made Me Start With $2,000 00:46:31 The Scaling Books I Recommend Now 00:48:40 The $500K Mistake I’ll Never Repeat 00:51:08 The Jessica Alba Lesson: Your Team Must Evolve 00:52:41 What I Look For In Every Hire: Grit, Pivot, No Ego 00:54:56 Rapid Fire Questions Sponsored by: Beehiiv - Use code HSR30 for 30% off Link: https://www.beehiiv.com/hsr?utm_campaign=hsr-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hsr&utm_term=2025-12-31 ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers ⸻ Follow Nicole Wegman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnicolewegman Ring Concierge: https://ringconcierge.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michelle Battersby has built a career around creating products that improve the lives of women. From launching Bumble in Australia, to building and selling her own tech company to Fanfix, and now becoming President of the largest women’s network for moms, all while 30 weeks pregnant, Michelle has consistently disproven the 86% of women who believe motherhood will jeopardize their career. Raised in a hyper-competitive household with Olympian parents, Michelle reflects on how her identity has been shaped by ambition and challenged by cultural expectations, tall poppy syndrome, and motherhood, while building apps for women, by women. Plus, Michelle brings her 7 week old baby, Bobby, on the podcast to live breastfeed to prove that yes, women really can do it all.  Michelle discusses: Tall Poppy Syndrome & Female Visibility: How cultural discomfort with ambitious women shows up as judgement, self-policing, and pressure to stay small - especially in Australia. Motherhood, Career & the Myth of ‘Having It All’: What pregnancy and postpartum taught Michelle about leadership, resilience, and why motherhood doesn’t weaken ambition - it sharpens it. Women’s Bodies, Confidence & Control: Why society sexualises women’s bodies but shames their biology - and why reclaiming ownership is an act of leadership. ⸻ Timestamps (00:00:00) Intro (00:02:13) Finding My Purpose Building for Women (00:04:19) Growing Up with Olympian Parents (00:06:06) How I Changed My Relationship with Failure (00:07:48) The Power of Naivety at Bumble (00:10:11) Building a Personal Brand Before You’re Ready (00:14:53) Tall Poppy Syndrome Explained (00:18:16) Did Moving to the US Change Me? (00:19:21) Being a Woman in Australia vs the US (00:20:32) Matrescence: Losing Yourself After Birth (00:26:17) BeeHiiv Ad[00:27:38] Why I Built a Business for Women (00:30:48) Sunroom: Pushing Boundaries Online (00:33:07) Posting My Body and Being Respected (00:34:38) Breastfeeding Live on a Podcast (00:37:07) The Fear of Pressing Upload (00:38:40) Investor Pushback? (00:39:28) Why Breastfeeding Is Still Shamed (00:40:49) Disclosing Pregnancy During Interviews (00:43:42) 3 Leadership Lessons from Motherhood (00:45:14) Pregnancy Didn’t Kill My Ambition (00:47:49) I Thought Being a Mum Would Ruin My Career (00:50:27) You Can’t Achieve with an Incompetent Partner (00:53:28) Man's Role In First 1000 Days of Parenting (00:56:46) How Motherhood Makes You Better at Work (01:01:20) Going From Founder to Employee (01:09:18) How Can Someone Be Like You? Final Advice (01:12:11) Quick Fire Questions Sponsored by: Beehiiv - Use code HSR30 for 30% off Link: https://www.beehiiv.com/hsr?utm_campaign=hsr-2026-Partnership&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=hsr&utm_term=2025-12-24 ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers  ⸻ Follow Michelle Battersby: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellebattersby/ ⸻ Hot Smart Rich is your place to hear unfiltered conversations with the people shaping the future of culture, creators, startups and community. Hosted by Maggie Sellers Reum, investor and media powerhouse, and guests breaking the mold, you’ll get the real deal as it relates to navigating the startup fast lane, leveling up your life or becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self. New episodes weekly on Wednesdays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Set Active founder Lindsey Carter opens up about how to build a cult-like activewear brand for gen-z and millennial women that can do $1M of sales in an hour built on the back of an authentic founder-led brand.  Lindsey isn't afraid to face the controversies and challenges that followed her brand’s rise - including TikTok backlash in 2023 and the recent breast cancer donation misstep. She shares hard-earned lessons on accountability, female business mindset, and why building a company with friends can cost more than it’s worth. Known for her entrepreneurial spirit, Lindsey built Set Active from the ground up, navigating the highs and lows of building a business in the public eye while offering valuable insights on success, leadership, and personal growth. Timestamps: [00:00:00] Intro [02:37] Hustling at 8: Lindsey’s First Deal [04:36] Becoming An Entrepreneur [05:45] Lindsey’s Identity Struggle: Living for Herself, Not Dad [06:59] Dad Controlling Her Money [08:23] Money, Power, and the Dynamic with Her Husband [10:37] Set Active: Before the Brand [11:49] Lindsey’s Biggest Challenge as a Founder [12:58] 2023: The Year Lindsey Almost Quit [15:45] Dealing with Backlash And Online Criticism [18:32] Why Mistakes Are Essential for Growth [20:54] Making Workers Scared Of Her [22:49] Want to Grow as a Founder? Here’s What You Should Do [23:53] Facing Harsh Online Feedback: How Lindsay Deals with It [26:27] The Breast Cancer Donation Backlash [29:27] Bad Press: Does It Hurt or Help a Brand? [31:04] Building a Cult Following with Authenticity [33:46] Forbes 30 Under 30: What It Really Takes [35:31] $1 Million in One Hour: How It Felt & What She Learned [37:46] Lessons from Making $1M in an Hour [39:25] The ‘Drop’ Model: Lindsey’s Strategy for Success [40:30] Flopping Drops: The Risks of 2023’s Bold Moves [40:51] Trends & Brand Building [42:04] Lindsey’s Entrepreneurial Superpower [42:46] Advice for Struggling Founders: How to Overcome Hard Years [43:55] Friendship & Business: Why Lindsey’s Circle Is Tight [48:01] How to Keep Business Relationships Collaborative, Not Competitive [49:41] Business and Friendship: Lindsey’s Boundaries [52:28] Losing Friends While Growing a Business: The Reality [54:08] What’s Next for Set Active: The Dream Moving Forward [55:15] Rapid Fire Questions [57:35] Where To Follow Lindsey and Set Active ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreumLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellersShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellersAmazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers  ⸻ Follow Lindsey Carter & Set Active : Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindseycarter/?hl=en Website: https://setactive.co/ ⸻ Hot Smart Rich is your place to hear unfiltered conversations with the people shaping the future of culture, creators, startups and community. Hosted by Maggie Sellers Reum, investor and media powerhouse, and guests breaking the mold, you’ll get the real deal as it relates to navigating the startup fast lane, leveling up your life or becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self. New episodes weekly on Wednesdays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mari Fonseca breaks down what it really takes to build a brand with no formal business education or understanding of finance – and why she walked away from a long, successful career as a model. Mari Fonseca is a former international model and the founder of Gente, a body care company focused on lymphatic drainage and wellness rituals - now Hailey Bieber’s favorite brand in this space. In this conversation, she shares why she dropped out of college at 16, how she became an entrepreneur, and the practical steps, mindset shifts, and challenges she faced turning her idea into a real business. Mari also opens up about her relationship with Drew from The Chainsmokers, and why building a business felt like the only path that truly aligned with her ambitions - rather than stepping into a more traditional role. ⸻ [00:00] Intro [2:19] Growing Up in Brazil & Leaving Home At 16 To Model [5:32] Reliving Your Childhood as an Adult [6:33] The Harsh Reality of the Modeling Industry [9:57] Breaking the “Pretty, Not Smart” Stereotype As A Model [11:27] From Cash to Equity: Rethinking How to Build Wealth [13:51] Why I Feel More Confident In My 30s Than I Did In My 20s [15:40] The Hardest Part About Leaving Modeling for Business [17:48] Why I Don’t Enjoy Modeling Anymore [18:17] How People Treat Me Differently as a Business Owner [19:38] Fundraising as a Female Founder: What I Learned [23:15] Why Big Followings Don’t Always Drive Sales [24:37] Hailey Bieber Favorite Brand: The Halo Effect [26:20] How Long It Takes to See Gente Lymphatic Results [27:30] My Lymphatic Drainage Routine & Glow Tips [29:08] Turning Gente Into a Self-Care Ritual [30:42] The Most Effective Way to Glow Up [31:49] How I Manifested My Beauty Brand Into Nordstrom [33:10] The Lows of Starting My Business [35:01] The Boundaries Every Business Owner Needs [38:47] Rapid Fire: From “I Didn’t Want a Wedding” to Latest Purchase [45:29] Gente Discount Code & Where to Follow Mari HSR Angels get 20% off at Gente with code HSR20 at gentebeauty.com ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZI nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers  ⸻ Follow Mari Fonseca & Gente Beauty: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariannefonseca Gente Website: https://gentebeauty.com/ Gente Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentebeauty ⸻ Hot Smart Rich is your place to hear unfiltered conversations with the people shaping the future of culture, creators, startups and community. Hosted by Maggie Sellers, investor and media powerhouse, and guests breaking the mold, you’ll get the real deal as it relates to navigating the startup fast lane, leveling up your life or becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self. New episodes weekly on Wednesdays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim Kardashian’s trainer, Senada Greca, reveals why strength training is the missing link for fat loss, confidence, cellulite, creatine, supplements, women’s fitness, and real results! Maggie and Senada are getting into all of it - the fitness myths keeping girls stuck, why muscle is the REAL glow-up, and why weights are not the enemy. Senada spills on Kim Kardashian, creatine gummies, cardio, diet culture, and why your strawberry matcha is not ruining your results!  This is your sign to stop shrinking, start taking up space, and build a body that feels as good as it looks! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:54 Transform Your Mind And Body 00:02:24 Dopamine Vs Discipline Explained 00:03:40 Why Women Need Strength Training 00:06:01 How Often To Lift Weights 00:07:24 Cellulite Truth And How To Reduce 00:09:16 Negative Self Talk And Confidence 00:10:31 How To Ignore Haters Online 00:12:03 Overcoming Eating Disorder And Anxiety 00:14:18 What Fitness And Health Really Means 00:15:24 The Truth About 80/20 Rule 00:17:46 Simple Nutrition Guide For Women 00:18:59 Creatine Benefits For Women Explained 00:20:28 Creatine Gummies Vs Powder Truth 00:22:03 Why Fibre Matters For Gut Health 00:22:49 Pique Tea Ad 00:23:47 Starting A Supplement Brand Today 00:25:21 What Billionaires Do Differently 00:26:31 Training Kim Kardashian Behind Scenes 00:29:10 Moving To LA For Kim Kardashian 00:31:29 Becoming A Nike Skims Athlete 00:32:54 Strength And Femininity Explained 00:33:43 How Long To See Results 00:36:09 Leaving Finance For Fitness Career 00:36:58 Why I Left My 9-5 00:37:36 How I Changed My Money Mindset 00:39:26 Lessons On Building Wealth 00:40:14 Rapid Fire Questions 00:40:23 Most Expensive Purchase Ever 00:40:37 Lymphatic Drainage Vs Deep Tissue 00:41:07 Sauna Vs Cold Plunge Benefits 00:41:19 Calories In Food Vs Drinks 00:42:00 Best Body Part To Train 00:42:12 My Current Life Chapter Title 00:42:35 HSR Love Note To Myself ⸻ Sponsors: Pique - https://piquelife.com/hsr for 10% off ⸻ Follow Senada Greca: www.instagram.com/senada.greca ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Your Business & Culture Gossip For ambitious women wanting to own the room, gain power, and build wealth. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what Alix Earle, AI, and Gen Z’s ‘Absurd Era’ Reveal About the Future of Business, Entertainment & Influence? Black Friday flopped. Booking.com became sexy. Dancing With the Stars is now a full-blown creator pipeline. And the average influencer? Officially over. In this week’s episode, Maggie and Katie break down the cultural chaos shaping 2026, from unhinged micro-trends to the new class system emerging from AI… and why the myth of overnight success is the most dangerous lie online. They explain: Why Black Friday felt flat even as it broke records How tweens and micro trends reshaped consumer behavior Why cultural relevancy beat traditional product launches The travel planning study every woman is sending her partner How Booking dot com became the most unexpected breakout brand The creator to reality TV to entrepreneur pipeline Why business shows struggle on video while Shark Tank still wins The new rules for storytelling in business and education The top AI predictions for 2026 and the HSR point of view Why Gen Z will become entrepreneurs by necessity How micro companies and tastemakers will shape culture Why human imperfection will become a trust marker Why analog living is emerging as a new luxury Chapters: 01:00 Black Friday was underwhelming but record breaking 03:00 Why cultural relevancy beat product drops 05:00 Tweens and absurd micro trends 06:00 The travel planning attractiveness study 08:00 Why Booking.dot com finally became cool 10:00 Dancing With the Stars and the new creator pipeline 11:00 Alex Earl, Brooke Nader, and the reality TV effect 13:00 Why business shows fail on video 15:00 Shark Tank works because it is emotional, not logical 17:00 What brands get wrong about content 19:00 The new rules of education and entertainment 20:00 Breaking down the top AI predictions of 2026 21:00 Gen Z forced entrepreneurship 23:00 Micro companies and the rise of taste makers 24:00 Personalised education and the end of the classroom 26:00 Human assisted services becoming luxury 27:00 The death of the average influencer 28:00 Trust premiums and human proof labels 29:00 Analog living becoming aspirational 31:00 Using AI to evolve your business 33:00 The myth of overnight success 34:00 Mashki’s decade long rise 35:00 Build to sell or build to keep 36:00 How founders should think about public building 38:00 Privilege, backlash, and the messy middle 40:00 Vulnerability as a competitive advantage 42:00 Why creators struggle to pull back 44:00 Sharing outcomes versus sharing in real time Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠Global HSR WhatsApp channel:  https://shorturl.at/xzLPm Buy the Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset here: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Buy Hot Smart Rich merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when your celebrity brand collapses overnight? Jonathan Van Ness reveals the brutal truth behind fame, failure, and a $2B fallout.Jonathan Van Ness is the Emmy-winning host of Queer Eye, bestselling author of Over the Top and Love That Story, stand-up comedian, and founder of JVN Hair, one of the fastest-growing celebrity beauty brands—until it wasn’t. He explains: - Why JVN Hair became the fastest-growing brand… and then went bankrupt - How losing millions overnight changed his entire approach to money - What it feels like to carry the weight of a team and brand in crisis - The shocking health scare that left him at his lowest point- Why he fired his business team and finally took control - How the Windsong Global deal gave him equity and a second chance - The reality of building a celebrity brand without a safety net- His reflections on Queer Eye and fame - The role of therapy, resilience, and self-acceptance in rebuilding - Why his mission is still joy, curiosity, and making people feel beautifulChapters:00:00 Intro01:00 The Elephant in the Room03:00 JVN’s Spending Habits06:00 Turning Down a Seven Figure Deal08:00 Building JVN Hair From Scratch10:00 Early Red Flags at the Parent Company12:00 Finding Out About the Bankruptcy14:00 The Health Crisis That Broke Him16:00 How It Almost All Fell Apart18:00 Talking to Other Founders in the Same Situation20:00 What Really Happened With Equity22:00 The Moment He Realized the Brand Might Die24:00 Transitioning to Windsong Global26:00 How the Bankruptcy Impacted Sales28:00 Rebuilding His Personal Money Mindset30:00 Firing His Business Team32:00 The New Deal Structure and Getting Equity34:00 Saving the Team and the Products36:00 The Hard Reality of the Transition Year38:00 Filming Queer Eye During a Crisis40:00 Public Backlash and Political Pressure42:00 Picking Himself Back Up44:00 Entering Ulta and Facing Controversy46:00 Growing Up Queer in a Conservative Town48:00 The Transformations That Changed Him50:00 Winning the Emmy and What’s Next52:00 Mission, Purpose and the Future of JVN HairHot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠Global HSR WhatsApp channel: https://shorturl.at/xzLPm Buy the Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset here: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Buy Hot Smart Rich merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrichMaggie Sellers Reum:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellers/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellers_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellersShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellersAmazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers Jonathan Van Ness:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jvn/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jvn_official?lang=enPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-better-with-jonathan-van-ness/id1068563276Website: hhttps://jonathanvanness.com/ Sponsors:Recharge - get 90 days free - https://getrecharge.com/lp3/hot-smart-rich/Hot Smart Rich is your place to hear unfiltered conversations with the people shaping the future of culture, creators, startups and community. Hosted by Maggie Sellers Reum, investor and media powerhouse, and guests breaking the mold, you’ll get the real deal as it relates to navigating the startup fast lane, leveling up your life or becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self. New episodes weekly on Wednesdays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From surviving a life changing accident to becoming one of Miami’s most trusted names in aesthetics, Amy Peterson has rewritten what it means to build beauty from the inside out. At 18, she was hit by a drunk driver and told she might never walk again. Today, she is the founder of one of Miami’s most successful clinics, Skincare by Amy Peterson, and the creator of Lenox and 16th, a million dollar skincare brand that shows what it really looks like to put care at the center of business. Amy’s story is about grit, reinvention, and service driven entrepreneurship. She built a beauty empire with no investors, no shortcuts, and no business degree. She did it through relentless work ethic, empathy, and purpose. In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, she shares: How a near death accident gave her the drive to build her dream business The mindset that separates good service from iconic unforgettable service What it takes to scale a people first company in a saturated industry How she turned trauma into purpose The moment she walked away from comfort to start her own clinic• Why caring more can actually make you more profitable How she self funded a million dollar skincare brand without investors Why she believes good people do win when they lead with integrity The truth about aging confidence and longevity in beauty What having it all actually means when you build it yourself This is not just an episode about beauty or business. It is a masterclass in integrity, service, and self belief. Lenox & Sixteenth Discount Code: HSR20 for 20% off Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:00 What Makes Amy’s Clinic Different 03:00 From Assistant to Founder and Building a 4.9 Star Business 07:00 The Accident That Changed Everything and Turning Trauma Into Purpose 11:00 The Confidence Skin Connection and Building a Brand on Care 16:00 Leaving Comfort to Start Her Practice and How to Scale Smart 21:00 The Million Dollar Lesson of Caring More and Becoming a Self Taught CEO 25:00 The Confidence Code and The Bet She Made on Herself 29:00 The Launch of Lenox & Sixteenth and Turning Clients Into Advocates 33:00 Why Slow and Steady Wins and The Instagram Face Era 37:00 The Undetectable Injectable and Skincare for Kids 42:00 The Comparison Trap and Authentic Leadership 47:00 Love Partnership and Confidence Consistency 52:00 Rapid Fire Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠Global HSR WhatsApp channel:  https://shorturl.at/xzLPm Buy the Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset here: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Buy Hot Smart Rich merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggieseller... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this rare, candid conversation with her new sister-in-law, Paris Hilton opens up about what it’s really like as a wife, the woman she is behind the character, how she turned pain into purpose, and why she wants her legacy to be impact over glamour. Misunderstood as a “party heiress” for decades, she talks about quietly building the blueprint for the $250B creator economy, turning her name into a $4B global brand, and building what she calls the next Disney, all while being a wife and mother to the cutesie crew.  In this episode, we get into: What family life is like for Paris Hilton and how she balances it all  Why she created the “Paris Hilton” character as both a shield and a launchpad How she transformed being underestimated into her superpower The exact moment she realized fame could become a business What it takes to balance being a mogul and a mom — and why she believes you can have it all Her blueprint for turning $3B in fragrance sales into true ownership with her skincare line, Parívie The behind-the-scenes creative process that drives her products, businesses, and upcoming documentary How she’s using her platform to pass legislation, protect children, and redefine what it means to be iconic Why she’s building the next Disney — an ecosystem of content, commerce, and community The legacy she wants to leave: kindness, impact, and sparkle This is Paris Hilton like you’ve never seen her before and I’m so excited to call her family! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:00 Paris Hilton Mode vs. Real Life Paris 3:00 Going Undercover & The Aura That Follows Her 5:00 Meeting Maggie’s Family & Advice on Marriage 7:00 Power Couple Energy: How Paris & Carter Support Each Other 09:00 Motherhood, Balance & Why She Believes You Can Have It All 11:00 Living Her Childhood Again Through Her Kids1 3:00 The Moment Paris Realized Fame Could Be a Business 15:00 Building a $4B Brand & Proving People Wrong 17:00 Turning Trauma Into Purpose: Advocacy & Impact Work 19:00 Passing Laws, Speaking on Capitol Hill & Healing Through Activism 21:00 Parívie: From Licensing Deals to True Ownership 24:00 Creative Process: Mood Boards, AI, and Designing Every Detail 27:00 Knowing What You Want (Even When Others Don’t See It Yet) 29:00 Stepping Behind the Camera: New Projects & Producing Women’s Stories 31:00 Infinite Icon: Paris’s Upcoming Music Documentary 33:00 Family, Traverse City, and Life Without FOMO 34:00 Building the Next Disney: Content, Commerce & Community 35:00 Legacy: What Paris Wants to Be Remembered For 36:00 Rapid Fire Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠Global HSR WhatsApp channel:  https://shorturl.at/xzLPm Buy the Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset here: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Buy Hot Smart Rich merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellers/ Tiktok: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back by popular demand, Maggie Sellers Reum and Katie Sellers are back in the studio to gossip about business, sisterhood, and the new rules of being a woman in work, and in life. From speaking at Duke’s Women’s Leadership Lab to breaking down the rhode $200M P&L, to the SKIMS hire that no one saw coming, this conversation blends strategy, gossip, and sister energy in the most Hot Smart Rich way possible.  In this candid, unfiltered conversation, Maggie and Katie gossip about: Cycle-syncing and optimizing your life around your menstrual cycle Why being “not for everyone” is actually your biggest advantage — and how polarization builds loyalty, not hate. The Sephora Sale playbook, how luxury brands train customers not to wait for discounts, and what early decisions set you apart. The rhode x e.l.f. P&L: $200M in revenue, 33% margins, and why Hailey Bieber’s brand is rewriting the rules of beauty What every founder can steal from Rhode — the “unfair advantage” framework and how to out-execute competitors even without a celebrity name. Failing fast and publicly. How Diarrha’s Skims comeback proves a career pivot can be your power move. The real lessons from rejection. Why sales is the ultimate training ground and why they’d never push their kids into investment banking. Creators as the new Disney. How Steven Bartlett’s $425M raise proves that distribution is the modern superpower. Becoming your own mood board. The art of self-belief, reinvention, and writing the story you actually want to live. No matter where you are in your career, this episode helps navigate tricky conversations about redefining success, learning when to lead and when to let go, and trusting your own version of ambition — no matter how loud the noise gets — to truly be able to lean into your own superpowers. Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:00 Speaking at Duke: Redefining Leadership for the Next Generation 07:30 When You’re Not for Everyone — and That’s the Point 11:00 The Sephora Sale Rulebook: How To Build a Brand That Doesn’t Discount 15:00 The Rhode x e.l.f. Acquisition Breakdown — $200M Revenue, 33% Margins 17:00 Why Hailey Bieber’s Brand Is Changing the Industry 20:00 What Every Founder Can Learn From Rhode’s Playbook 22:00 The “Unfair Advantage” Framework — and How to Find Yours 24:00 The Power of Failing Fast and Publicly: Diarrha’s Skims Evolution 27:00 Second Lives in Business: Why Not Every Success Story Starts at Zero 28:30 Rare Beauty’s Katie Welch Joins Chanel: The New Definition of Success 31:30 What It Means to Be a Visionary (and Still Hire a CEO One Day) 33:00 The Real Lesson From Sales — Learning to Handle Rejection 36:00 The VC Associate Myth — and What Founders Really Think 38:00 Breaking Down Steven Bartlett’s $425M Raise 39:30 Why Creators Are The New Conglomerates 40:30 Knowing Yourself: The Real Currency of Success 44:00 Wrapping Up: Sisterhood, Self-Belief & Reinvention Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠Global HSR WhatsApp channel:  https://shorturl.at/xzLPm Buy the Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset here: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Buy Hot Smart Rich merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/  TikTok: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In her first solo podcast interview, Mary Holland Nader, known as the “finance sister” from Hulu’s The Nader Sisters, opens up about life beyond her sister Brooks, leaving Wall Street for reality TV, and building her own fintech startup, Mary & Pip. This is the candid conversation every woman navigating money, fame, and career pivots needs to hear. In this powerful, candid conversation, she reveals: What it really cost her to leave Deutsche Bank for reality TV How fame has become a new form of currency for women in business The pros and cons of having Brooks as an older sister and role model Pretty privilege, corporate politics, and why she hid her Instagram from colleagues What the show did for her career — and what it risked The reality of inconsistent income, brand deals, and healthcare after leaving corporate life Why she wants to use her platform to build tools for the freelance generation The future of her startup Mary & Pip, and how she measures the ROI of fame This episode isn’t just about reality TV or Wall Street. It’s about carving your own lane, defining success on your terms, and using your platform for impact. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:40 Who Is Mary Holland Nader? 02:00 Growing Up a Nader Sister & Finding Her Own Identity 04:15 The Pressure of Comparison & Competition in the Family 06:10 Leaving Wall Street for Reality TV 08:00 Getting Permission to Film While Working at Deutsche Bank 09:30 Living a Double Life: Banker by Day, Influencer by Night 11:10 How Reality TV Changed Her Confidence 13:00 The $3,000 Job That Made Her Quit Corporate 14:50 How Money Mindset and Scarcity Shaped Her Ambition 17:10 What Finance Taught Her About Power & Perception 19:40 Why Women Still Hide Parts of Themselves at Work 22:30 Reclaiming Creativity After Corporate Burnout 25:00 Building Mary & Pip: Rebranding Wall Street for Women 28:40 The ROI of Fame and Public Perception 31:20 Sisterhood, Brand Building & Owning Their Narrative 35:40 Balancing Love, Career & “Having It All” 39:30 The Psychology of Money and Letting Go of Scarcity 44:50 Rapid Fire: Credit Cards, Red Flags & NAD Drips 50:30 What’s Next for Mary & Pip Hot Smart Rich: Join 250,000+ angels and subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠Global HSR WhatsApp channel:  https://shorturl.at/xzLPm Buy the Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset here: https://shorturl.at/pJWLc Buy Hot Smart Rich merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ YouTube: https://shorturl.at/IXXFZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellers/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellers_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emma Kenney (@emmakenney) grew up on screen - cast at just nine years old, she spent over a decade playing Debbie Gallagher on Shameless and Harris on The Conners. But behind the fame, Emma faced child stardom’s toughest challenges: battling misconceptions about her identity, navigating Hollywood’s pay gap, and fighting the constant pressure to stay relevant Now 26, she’s carving a new path - launching Yogi’s House, a dog rescue that has already saved nearly 400 animals. In this episode, Emma opens up about the cost of fame, the realities of money and contracts in Hollywood, and why she chose passion over profit. We cover: ​The misconceptions about Emma vs. Debbie Gallagher ​Hollywood’s child star system and pay gap realities ​The emotional toll of relevance, rejection, and reinvention ​Starting Yogi’s House and saving 400 dogs ​Social media, brand deals, and the pressure to perform ​Rumors, fan encounters, and the double life of fame ​Why Emma believes “what’s meant to be will be” This isn’t just a story about fame - it’s about resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose outside the spotlight. ⸻ This episode is sponsored by:⁠⁠ - Recharge - get 90 days free - https://getrecharge.com/lp3/hot-smart-rich/ Subscriptions aren’t just about repeat orders - they’re about building real relationships. And that’s where Recharge comes in. They’re the subscription platform behind the brands you know and love - think Chamberlain Coffee, quip, Blueland, Bird & Be - and over 100 million subscribers worldwide. Recharge takes the headache out of retention with seamless subscription experiences, powerful analytics, and tools that help brands go beyond the moment to keep customers coming back. ⁠⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe here⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Global HSR WhatsApp⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel⁠! ⸻ Follow Maggie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Locker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ShopMy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Follow Emma & Yogi’s House: Instagram Tiktok X Yogi’s House Instagram Website ⸻ More from Hot Smart Rich: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ This episode is produced by HSR ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Liu, founder and CEO of Tower 28 Beauty, is redefining what it means to bet on yourself, build quietly, and scale authentically in the beauty industry. From quitting her corporate job and taking a four-year hiatus to launching one of Sephora’s most successful clean beauty brands at 40, Amy’s story is one of resilience, vision, and choosing power on her own terms. She opens up about the money dynamics in her marriage, the shift when her husband became CFO of her company, and how she gained the freedom to take risks. She shares why she’s never relied on celebrity partners, the importance of building a brand that feels safe without being boring, and what it means to create products that empower people with sensitive skin to finally feel included in mainstream beauty. From leaving her corporate job and fighting against the naysayers, to the messy middle of running a fast-growing team, to the moments that nearly broke her, this is Amy Liu like you’ve never heard her before. What you’ll learn in this conversation: Why betting on yourself doesn’t have an age limit (Amy launched at 40) The truth about overnight success (23 years in the making) How money and power dynamics shift in marriage when women lead Why Tower 28 chose not to rely on celebrity endorsements The story behind Tower 28’s hero products and community-driven growth The role of eczema and authenticity in shaping Amy’s brand and mission How to build a company that’s both profitable and culturally relevant Why women can “have it all” — but not all at once This is the episode every entrepreneur, founder, and creative needs to hear. ⸻ This episode is sponsored by:⁠⁠ - Recharge - get 90 days free - https://getrecharge.com/lp3/hot-smart-rich/ Subscriptions aren’t just about repeat orders - they’re about building real relationships. And that’s where Recharge comes in. They’re the subscription platform behind the brands you know and love - think Chamberlain Coffee, quip, Blueland, Bird & Be - and over 100 million subscribers worldwide. Recharge takes the headache out of retention with seamless subscription experiences, powerful analytics, and tools that help brands go beyond the moment to keep customers coming back. ⁠⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe here⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Global HSR WhatsApp⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel⁠! ⸻ Follow Maggie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Diamond, co-founder of Bird&Be, is on a mission to revolutionize reproductive health. From her own experience with pregnancy loss to raising millions from investors like Brian Lee (Honest Company), Sam shares the raw truth about fertility stigma, miscarriage, IVF, and why men play a much bigger role in infertility than most people realize. This is the fertility conversation you wish you’d had sooner -  honest, practical, and backed by science. We cover: Why male infertility is the leading cause of IVF in Canada How to test fertility at home (for both men & women) before spending years trying The hidden fertility red flags in your 20s and 30s Why stress, sleep, and lifestyle can impact sperm & egg quality overnight The truth about PCOS, perimenopause, and diminished ovarian reserve Fertility stigma today vs. mental health stigma a decade ago What doctors don’t tell you about timelines and proactive testing The story behind building Bird&Be as “the Honest Company of fertility” How Sam raised $1.8M in 4 weeks and brought doctors on as investors Why fertility care should be proactive, not reactive This important conversation is about empowerment, science, and taking control of your reproductive future rather than fear. HSR Angels get 15% off their first Bird&Be order with code HSR ⸻ This episode is sponsored by: - Recharge - get 90 days free - Subscriptions aren’t just about repeat orders - they’re about building real relationships. And that’s where Recharge comes in. They’re the subscription platform behind the brands you know and love - think Chamberlain Coffee, quip, Blueland, Bird & Be - and over 100 million subscribers worldwide. Recharge takes the headache out of retention with seamless subscription experiences, powerful analytics, and tools that help brands go beyond the moment to keep customers coming back. ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. Subscribe on YouTube ⸻ 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. Subscribe here ⸻ Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠Global HSR WhatsApp channel⁠! ⸻ Follow Maggie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Locker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spotify Description SURPRISE, WE’RE MARRIED! Courtney Reum (co-founder of M13, bestselling author, entrepreneur, investor - and my husband!) sits down with me for the first time as husband and wife to share the real story behind our marriage. From a psychic choosing our exact wedding date, to navigating LA fires, to rewriting every tradition about engagement and weddings, this is an intimate conversation about love, risk, and why marriage is the biggest business - and emotional - decision you’ll ever make. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why a psychic predicting our wedding date changed everything The truth about getting married before the ring How we planned a wedding, bought a house, and built a marriage in 4 months Why we see marriage as the ultimate “business decision” and partnership The untold story of Courtney’s proposal at the French Open in Paris The lessons Maggie learned from calling off a past engagement - and why this time felt different How to balance ambition, building a business, and building a family at the same time Why tradition doesn’t matter if you know what works for you This isn’t just a wedding recap. It’s about redefining love, building a marriage that works, and choosing each other every single day. ⸻ This episode is sponsored by:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠HSR Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Get 3 months free using ⁠this link ⁠⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe here⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Global HSR WhatsApp⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel⁠! ⸻ Follow Maggie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Locker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ShopMy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Follow Courtney: Instagram LinkedIn https://www.m13.co/ ⸻ More from Hot Smart Rich: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC, with support from Ana Sessions and Coldea Productions. ⸻ Hot Smart Rich is your place to hear unfiltered conversations wit... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Confidence coach & behavioral researcher, Dr. Shadé Zahrai, reveals 4 mindset shifts to stop self-doubt, build confidence, and own any room! Why do some women walk in and get taken seriously instantly, while others overthink every move, over-apologise, and shrink themselves at work?  Maggie and Dr. Shadé unpack the hidden habits holding ambitious women back, the psychology behind “Lucky Girl Syndrome,” and why high-achieving women still struggle with self-worth. From speaking with authority to asking for more at work, this conversation is a masterclass in becoming the woman who stops second-guessing herself and starts being seen, heard, and respected! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:55 What a Confidence Expert Does 00:03:56 The Truth About Self-Doubt 00:09:37 The 4 Traits Shaping Self-Worth 00:12:15 Change Your Personality in 6 Weeks 00:13:44 Is Personality Born or Built? 00:16:08 4 Signs You Don’t Accept Yourself 00:19:12 Why Successful People Feel Inadequate 00:21:43 Why Failure Feels Personal 00:23:31 Rewire Your Fear of Failure 00:25:37 The Michael Phelps Mindset Trick 00:28:22 The 3-Step Failure Recovery Framework 00:30:50 Why High Achievers Fear Failure 00:33:01 A Simple Tool for Pressure 00:34:35 The Trait That Builds Confidence 00:36:50 Why Confidence Follows Action 00:38:19 The “Impossible Problem” Story 00:40:27 Ad Break 00:41:30 Why “Delusion” Can Build Success 00:45:35 Rejection Therapy Explained 00:47:17 The Third Trait: Taking Control 00:49:02 Why You Feel Stuck 00:52:40 Stop Saying “You Should” 00:54:14 What To Say Instead 00:56:37 How To Ask For A Raise 00:57:28 How To Stop Being Ignored 01:00:31 Stop Over-Apologising 01:02:28 2 Ways To Control Emotion 01:04:01 Quick Confidence Tricks 01:08:42 How To Walk In Confidently 01:10:55 Nail Your Promotion Conversation 01:16:18 Women in Male-Dominated Workplaces 01:18:57 Why Women Undermine Women 01:26:29 Why One Size Doesn’t Work 01:28:10 You Can’t Please Everyone 01:29:13 Where To Find The Book 01:29:46 Last Thing On Your Credit Card? 01:29:55 Most Expensive Card Purchase? 01:30:12 Most Confident Person You’ve Met? 01:30:34 Books Or Podcasts? 01:30:38 Where Inspiration Comes From 01:31:18 This Season Of Life 01:32:09 Her HSR Love Note 01:32:40 Where To Find Shadé ⸻ Sponsors: Stan: Learn more at http://getstanley.ai/maggie ⸻ Dr. Shadé Zahrai, is globally recognized behavioral researcher, scholar-practitioner, and award-winning peak performance educator to Fortune 100s. An ex-Lawyer armed with a background in psychology, an MBA, and a PhD in organizational behavior, she’s one of the leading voices on confidence and performance, and her new bestselling book, Big Trust: Rewire Self-Doubt, Find Your Confidence, Fuel Success, is transforming the lives of tens of thousands of people all over the world.  Latest Book, Big Trust:  https://www.amazon.com/Big-Trust-Self-Doubt-Confidence-Success/dp/0063378159/ Follow Dr. Shadé Zahrai www.instagram.com/shadezahrai ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Your Business & Culture Gossip For ambitious women wanting to own the room, gain power, and build wealth. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s conversation all started with a viral video where I questioned if JVN Hair was the biggest celebrity brand failure of all time. Jonathan Van Ness, Emmy-winning host of Queer Eye, bestselling author, comedian, and founder of JVN Hair, opens up about the biggest challenges of his career - from beauty brand bankruptcy to personal health crises - and how he fought his way back. This is JVN like you’ve never heard him before: unfiltered, vulnerable, and brutally honest about fame, money, and survival. Why JVN Hair became the fastest-growing brand... and then went bankrupt How losing millions overnight changed his entire approach to money What it feels like to carry the weight of a team and brand in crisis The shocking health scare that left him with “two buttholes” at his lowest point Why he fired his business team and finally took control How the Windsong Global deal gave him equity and a second chance The reality of building a celebrity brand without a safety net His reflections on Queer Eye, fame, and being targeted in culture wars The role of therapy, resilience, and self-acceptance in rebuilding Why his mission is still joy, curiosity, and making people feel beautiful This episode is more than a story about bankruptcy - it’s a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and reclaiming your power when everything falls apart. HSR Angels get 25% off at JVN Hair with code HSR25(Excludes bundles, subscriptions, gift cards) ⸻ This episode is sponsored by:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠HSR Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Get 3 months free using ⁠this link ⁠⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe here⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Global HSR WhatsApp⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel⁠! ⸻ Follow Maggie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Locker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ShopMy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ama... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caitlin Begg , Harvard-trained sociologist, founder of Authentic Social, and host of Progression to Analog, is redefining how smartphones and social media shape our attention, communication, and intimacy. From taking three years off TikTok, to researching parasocial relationships, to designing healthier tech habits, this is the conversation every modern creator, founder, and human needs to hear. Why “phone brain” is the hidden reason behind your short attention span How notification culture rewires our dopamine and drives gossip culture Why short-term social media breaks don’t fix your brain - but mornings off do The loneliness epidemic: hyper-connected, but more isolated than ever How parasocial relationships with influencers - and even friends - are changing intimacy Why authenticity online matters (and why most people still fake it) The dark side of dating apps and how they’re numbing real connection Why boredom, drifting, and in-person conversations are the real productivity hacks How AI can free up time for thinking - if you use it the right way What companies get wrong about workplace communication overload This isn’t about quitting tech. It’s about reclaiming your attention, deepening real relationships, and designing a more human everyday life. ⸻ This episode is sponsored by:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠HSR Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Get 3 months free using ⁠this link ⁠⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe here⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Global HSR WhatsApp⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel⁠! ⸻ Follow Maggie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Locker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ShopMy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Follow Caitlin & Authentic Social: Instagram LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the secret to building wealth wasn’t spending big, but acting broke? Lucy Guo (@guoforit), co-founder of Scale AI, founder of Passes, and the youngest self-made female billionaire, is redefining what it means to win in tech, money, and the creator economy. From her “act broke, stay rich” mindset, to proving people wrong in Silicon Valley, to helping creators build generational wealth, this is the conversation every founder, dreamer, and disruptor needs to hear. Why acting broke is Lucy’s rule for staying rich The truth about being a “billionaire” (and why it’s not cash in the bank) How equity, not cash, creates generational wealth The surprising power of free things (and why Lucy still takes UberX) How she handles haters, trolls, and being called “the party girl of tech” Why proving people wrong has fueled her biggest wins What founders get wrong about raising money and scaling fast How AI will shape the next wave of unicorn companies Why consistency, discipline, and content are the only real creator superpowers This isn’t about chasing trends or titles. It’s about building smarter, betting on yourself, and creating wealth that lasts. ⸻ This episode is sponsored by: ⁠⁠Pique⁠⁠ - Use this link for 20% off. (http://piquelife.com/HSR20) ⁠⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe here⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Global HSR WhatsApp⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel⁠! ⸻ Follow Maggie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Locker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ShopMy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Follow Lucy & Passes: Instagram ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if talking about money with your partner wasn’t awkward, but the key to keeping your relationship strong? Libby Leffler (@thisfirst), founder of First and former Google and Facebook exec, is redefining what it means to protect love with logic. From breaking the stigma around prenups, to helping women secure their futures, to proving that money talk is harder than sex talk, this is the conversation every modern couple needs to have before their big day. Why women are now leading the prenup conversation The surprising top 3 reasons couples get prenups (hint: it’s not just money) How prenups lower divorce rates - and strengthen marriages Why money talk is harder than sex talk in relationships The rise of millennial women protecting inheritance, property, and businesses How to start a money conversation without ruining the romance Why every couple already has a prenup (even if they don’t know it) The power of transparency in building trust, partnership, and love This isn’t about planning for divorce. It’s about protecting the life you’re building - together. ⸻ HSR Angels get $100 off all First prenup products with code HOTSMARTRICH.HOTSMARTRICH promo code good through 12/31/2025 at www.thisfirst.com; all coupon codes must be used at checkout at time of purchase (ineligible for retroactive discounts) ⸻ This episode is sponsored by:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠HSR Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ - Get 3 months free using ⁠this link ⁠⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe here⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Global HSR WhatsApp⁠⁠⁠ channel⁠! ⸻ Follow Maggie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Locker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ShopMy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Follow Libby & First: ⁠LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you took the money saved for your dream wedding and bet it all on your business? Would it make or break you? Siff Haider and Nish Samantray, co-founders of Arrae, share their raw story of love, sacrifice, and scaling to $100M. From immigrating to the U.S. with no safety net, to choosing business over a wedding, to learning how to fight (and win) together as partners in love and work, this is what it really costs to build big. Why skipping their wedding was the best decision they ever made How they scaled Arrae from $1M to $100M in just 5 years The truth about building as immigrant founders chasing the American dream How to fight with your partner without breaking the business (or the marriage) Why most founders fail, and how they found the answers anyway What it really takes to hire, scale culture, and protect a $100M business Why they said no to selling (even at $300M) Why they treat money in business as math, not emotion, and how that changed their personal spending HSR Angels get ⁠⁠15% off at Arrae⁠⁠ with code HSR15⸻This episode is sponsored by:⁠⁠⁠⁠Pique⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Use this link for 20% off⁠⁠⁠⁠HSR Newsletter⁠⁠ - Get 3 months free using ⁠this link⁠⸻⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life.⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⸻💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms.⁠⁠Subscribe here⁠⁠⸻Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠⁠⁠Global HSR WhatsApp⁠⁠ channel⁠!⸻Follow Maggie:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Locker⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ShopMy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⸻Follow Siff, Nish & Arrae:⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠Siff ⁠⁠& ⁠⁠Nish⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrae ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⸻More from Hot Smart Rich:⁠⁠The Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset⁠⁠⁠⁠Merch⁠⁠⸻This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC, with support from Vandana Ravi and Coldea Productions.⸻Hot Smart Rich is your place to hear unfiltered conversations with the people shaping the future of culture, creators, startups and community. Hosted by Maggie Sellers, investor and media powerhouse, and guests breaking the mold, you’ll get the real deal as it relates to navigating the startup fast lane, leveling up your life or becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you hit rock bottom at 18 and almost lost your life to addiction. Do you think you could recover? EXCLUSIVE This is Cara Santana Leto’s first sit-down interview as a married woman, and she doesn’t hold back. From hitting rock bottom at 18 and nearly losing her life to addiction, to being ousted as CEO of her first company, to finding love again with husband Shannon Leto and launching a new brand, Cara is rewriting what it means to be a multi-hyphenate creative entrepreneur. How to perfect the role of “multi-hyphenate” creative entrepreneur How to leave something that isn’t working to find your truth How to start over time and time again without shame or regret How to find a whitespace in a saturated industry The inner workings of a Kardashian adjacent brand The beginning of lil luv dog Lessons from a second time founder for first time founders HSR listeners can enjoy 10% off at ⁠Lil Luv Dog⁠ with code HOTRICH10 ⸻ This episode is sponsored by: - HSR Newsletter - Get 3 months free using ⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠. ⸻ Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Global HSR WhatsApp channel⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe here⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Follow Maggie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Locker⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ShopMy⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Follow Cara & Lil Luv Dog:⁠⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠Lil Luv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, meet the founder you don’t know, behind the brand you already love. Dr. Julie Chung, Co-Founder of T3 Micro, gives the advice every ambitious woman wants to hear about building a brand, looking your best, and choosing the right life co-founder when she opens up about: How to use color theory analysis to look your best The lessons from building a top-selling beauty brand at Sephora for over 20 years How to use being a multi-hyphenate to your advantage The new standard to make your boyfriend, your husband What’s really going on with 12-year-olds running around Sephora Why exercising soft power always wins over hard power How to build a business with your family—and not lose your sanity Chapters 00:00 – Meet Dr. Julie Chung: From Surgeon to Beauty Founder0:32 – How to Shop Smart: The Secrets Behind Everyday vs. Expensive Purchases1:38 – How to Use Color Theory to Reinvent Your Look (and Confidence)3:40 – How to Turn Two Worlds Into One: From Medicine to Sephora Icon6:49 – What It Really Means to Balance Being a Doctor and Entrepreneur7:57 – How to Keep Your Two Worlds Separate (When People Find Out Who You Really Are)9:52 – What’s Harder: Running a Business or Saving Someone’s Vision?10:04 – The Surprising Similarities Between Surgery and Startups11:28 – How to Build a Beauty Brand Without Raising a Dollar12:55 – When to Pay Yourself vs. Reinvest in the Business13:36 – Should You Start a Company With Your Partner? The Truth After 20 Years15:39 – What’s Wrong With the Beauty Industry Today (and Why It Matters)17:29 – How to Step Into the Founder Role After 20 Years in the Shadows20:04 – How Much Vulnerability Do Female Founders Owe the World?22:47 – How to Survive a Hard Fertility Journey (and What It Teaches You About Control)25:11 – Why Teen Girls Are Obsessed With Sephora (And What Founders Should Know)28:27 – How to Capture the Most Valuable Consumer of the Future29:17 – What Success Looks Like Through Your Kids’ Eyes31:54 – How Money Trauma Follows You Into Adulthood (and Business)33:29 – The Most Unhinged Ways Founders Save Money in the Early Days35:14 – How Your Relationship With Money Evolves After Success36:24 – What People Get Wrong About Female Founders (And What It’s Really Like)40:15 – Why Timing Matters: The Right Moment to Step Into the Spotlight41:55 – The One Female Founder She Dreams of Meeting (and Why It Made Her Cry)42:48 – Rapid Fire: Beauty, Family, and Success Hot Takes ⸻ Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠⁠Global HSR WhatsApp channel⁠⁠! ⸻ This episode is sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pique⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Use this link for 20% off. ⁠⁠Frate Returns⁠⁠ - Tell them HSR sent you and learn more here ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠Subscribe here⁠⁠ ⸻ Follow Maggie: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deepica Mutyala, CEO and Founder of Live Tinted, the #1 fastest growing beauty brand at Ulta, gives the advice every ambitious woman wants to hear to build her dream life, partner, and business when she opens up about What it’s really like dating right now as an ambitious woman with money The pressure of growing up with South-Asian Immigrant parents ⁠How to make money as a CEO that has nothing to do with your business How to become the fastest growing prestige brand at Ulta without going viral on tiktok or having an influencer strategy The biggest crossroads she is at with building the fastest growing prestige brand at Ulta Why she’s done being known as “the minority founded beauty brand” Plus: we leave in a clip towards the end that most podcasters would delete and can’t wait to hear your thoughts. ⸻ Become an HSR Angel in the ⁠Global HSR WhatsApp channel⁠! ⸻ This episode is sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠Pique⁠⁠⁠ - Use this link for 20% off. ⁠Frate Returns⁠ - Tell them HSR sent you and learn more here ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠ ⸻ 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠Subscribe here⁠ ⸻ Follow Maggie: ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Tiktok⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Locker⁠ ⁠ShopMy⁠ ⁠Amazon Storefront ⸻ Follow Deepica & Live Tinted: Instagram YouTube TikTok LinkedIn Live Tinted Instagram Website ⸻ More from Hot Smart Rich: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dianna Cohen, founder and ex-CEO of Crown Affair, joins Maggie Sellers to reflect on what it took to build the premium beauty brand redefining clean luxury in haircare and the future of founders as creators.  What You'll Hear In This Episode: From working with Emily Weiss to building her own brand—Dianna’s evolution from beauty insider to beauty founder of Crown Affair The early days of Crown Affair and how her time at Away shaped her approach to brand strategy and storytelling Why Dianna stepped down as CEO—what she's doing at the brand now and how it unlocked a new creative chapter The clean luxury playbook: how she built Crown Affair into a category-defining brand Raising $15M and scaling to $20M in revenue—without compromising brand integrity Maggie’s take on the identity shifts every founder faces—and the freedom of letting go Dianna’s blueprint for building brands that feel personal, purposeful, and powerful ⸻ This episode is sponsored by: ⁠⁠Pique⁠⁠ - Use this link for 20% off. Frate Returns - Tell them HSR sent you and learn more here ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. Subscribe on YouTube ⸻ 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. Subscribe here ⸻ Follow Maggie: Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Locker ShopMy Amazon Storefront ⸻ Follow Dianna: Instagram TikTok Substack: Take Your Time⁠ Crown Affair  ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Sephora ⸻ More from Hot Smart Rich: The Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset  Merch ⸻ This episode ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the brand you built failed—and it wasn’t your fault?What if dating came with warning labels, and choosing not to have more kids was the most radical decision of all? In this week’s episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie Sellers and Katie Sellers are back in the studio, and this one’s personal. From beauty brand collapses to viral dating apps and modern motherhood, they unpack the stories that had them hooked (and sometimes heartbroken) this week. They go deep on: - Why it’s never been easier to launch a beauty brand—and never harder to keep it alive - What Ty Haney’s return to Outdoor Voices teaches us about comeback stories and founder evolution - The rise (and potential fall) of the dating app Tea, and what it says about toxicity, accountability, and modern dating - The Wall Street Journal report that proves women are still doing everything—at home and at work - Fertility, family planning, and the radical idea of saying “one child is enough” - Burnout, boundaries, and why creators (and founders) must take breaks - Gwyneth Paltrow’s genius PR move with Astronomer and why everything is content—even your ex-husband’s scandal Whether you're building a brand, questioning your timeline, or just trying to stay sane in your 30s—this episode is for you. Become an HSR Angel in the Global HSR WhatsApp channel! – This episode is sponsored by: - Frate Returns - Tell them HSR sent you and learn more here - HSR Newsletter - Get 3 months free using ⁠this link⁠. ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠Subscribe on Youtube⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠Subscribe here!⁠ ⸻ Follow Maggie here: Instagram: ⁠@maggiesellers⁠ TikTok: ⁠@maggiesellers_ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠Maggie Sellers⁠ ShopMy: ⁠Maggie Sellers⁠ Amazon Storefront: ⁠maggiesellers⁠ ⸻ Follow Katie here: Instagram: ⁠@katiesellers_ ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠Katie Sellers⁠ ⸻ More from Hot Smart Rich: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is Hailey Bieber’s Rhode a $1B empire while other celebrity brands feel like "cash grabs"?  Shopify President, Harley Finkelstein, breaks down the elite playbook behind Rhode, Skims, Kylie Cosmetics, Gymshark, and Chamberlain Coffee. From the “9 Person Rule” (why your friends are keeping you broke) to the “3,872 Books” email hack that caught Gary Vee’s attention, Harley explains how the world's most successful founders actually think! No more waiting for a sign, a mentor, or 'perfect' timing. The cost of entry is $39 and a 'stupid' idea that you’re finally brave enough to start. The golden age of entrepreneurship is here - don't let it happen without you! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro00:02:18 Why You Don’t See Yourself As An Entrepreneur00:05:17 Should Everyone Try Entrepreneurship?00:07:53 Why Most People Never Start00:09:07 The One Thing That Creates Billion Dollar Businesses00:12:50 Motivation Doesn’t Last… This Does00:13:56 Finding Your Ikigai (Life’s Work)00:16:32 “You’re Changing Women’s Lives”00:18:18 Chasing People You Admire00:22:31 Fiverr Ad00:23:42 How To Get Anyone’s Attention00:27:42 Do Creators Have A Peak?00:30:26 Do You Need An Audience To Win?00:33:59 Why Kardashian Brands Actually Work00:39:36 Will Celebrity Brands Keep Winning?00:43:08 Should We Be Scared Of AI?00:47:31 What Is AI Shopping?00:49:48 Will AI Replace Influencers?00:50:59 Will AI Replace Everything?00:53:07 Shopify Ad00:54:04 Bilt Ad00:55:13 A Letter From Harley’s Daughters00:55:51 Raising Future Entrepreneurs00:58:53 What He Spends His Money On01:00:06 Skiing vs Building Businesses01:00:19 Best Books For Entrepreneurs01:01:46 Industries To Avoid01:02:25 The Most Innovative Product He’s Seen01:03:30 What Makes A Brand Truly Great01:06:53 His “Spiky” Career Strategy01:07:45 The One Belief That Changed Everything01:10:22 How To Become A Better Storyteller01:12:32 Where To Find Harley ⸻ Sponsors: Fiverr - If you are scaling a business, then you need to visit https://pro.fiverr.com     Shopify - http://Shopify.com/HSR Bilt - http://joinbilt.com/hsr ⸻ Follow Harley Finkelstein:  Instagram: www.instagram.com/harley Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/ ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Your Business & Culture Gossip For ambitious women wanting to own the room, gain power, and build wealth. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered how long it really takes to go from a 9–5 to a six-figure influencer? What if your next chapter starts by trusting your gut, and not your job title? Les Alfred didn’t come from wealth. She didn’t have connections. But she had a voice, a podcast, and a powerful desire to grow beyond what her 9–5 at Hubspot allowed. In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie sits down with Les, the host of @shessoluckypod (Dear Media), to talk about what really happened for Les to reinvent herself, create her dream life, and make six-figures while doing it. They go deep on: How Les actually makes money as a creator (sponsorships, live events, speaking, and more) How to launch a podcast that people actually want to listen to—and how she grew to 10K+ downloads per episode Why her biggest opportunities (Michelle Obama, Melinda Gates interviews) came from her existing network—not cold pitching What changed when she stopped DIY-ing and hired people better than her How moving to New York unexpectedly unlocked everything she was craving And the truth about dating when you're an ambitious woman building something big Whether you're side-hustling, thinking about quitting, or feeling the pull to do more—this episode is your sign. ⸻ Chapters 00:00 – Meet Les Alfred from Dear Media's She's So Lucky Podcast 2:29 – How to Reinvent Your Life and Career From the Ground Up 5:13 – How to Get Your Podcast Signed to Dear Media 10:02 – How to Shift From Scarcity to Abundance With Money 13:43 – How to Turn Your Content Into a Real Six-Figure Business 18:28 – How to Build a Vision for Your Future (and Actually Get There) 23:08 – How to Break Free From Stereotypes and Build Your Own Identity 25:28 – How to Know When to Walk Away From the Wrong Relationship 27:01 – How to Date With an Abundance Mindset (Even When It’s Hard) 30:18 – How to Find the Right People to Support You As a Creator 32:51 – How to Get Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunities 34:54 – How to Rebrand Without Losing Your Audience 40:02 – How to Start a Podcast That People Actually Want to Listen To 42:02 – Rapid Fire: How to Know What You Really Love ⸻ This episode is sponsored by: - HSR Newsletter - Get 3 months free using ⁠this link⁠. ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe here!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Follow Maggie here: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maggiesellers⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maggiesellers_ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Maggie Sellers⁠⁠⁠⁠ ShopMy: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your big sisters worked at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, LinkedIn, and Snap, and went to Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and Dartmouth, just so they could hand you the playbook? In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie sits down with Tiger Sisters Jean and Cherie Brooke Luo, two powerhouse siblings with Wall Street and Silicon Valley resumes who are making elite career advice radically more relatable. Jean (Harvard MBA, Dartmouth undergrad) built a $300M business at Snap. Cherie (Stanford MBA, Columbia engineering) scaled products at LinkedIn. Now, they’re spilling the tea on everything from Ivy League admissions and imposter syndrome to dating as a successful woman and the real ROI of a $250K MBA. You’ll hear what it was like growing up with a Tiger Mom, how they hacked their way into the Ivy League (and why you don’t have to), the power dynamics of being a woman in finance, and how to stop doing free work and start owning your narrative. This one is filled with tactical gems, big sister energy, and real talk on money, identity, ambition, and building a life that feels as good as it looks. ⸻ This episode is sponsored by: - ⁠Pique⁠ - Use this link for 20% off. - HSR Newsletter - Get 3 months free using this link. ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe here!⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Follow Maggie here: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maggiesellers⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@maggiesellers_ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Maggie Sellers⁠⁠⁠ ShopMy: ⁠⁠⁠Maggie Sellers⁠⁠⁠ Amazon Storefront: ⁠⁠⁠maggiesellers⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ Follow Tiger Sisters here: Instagram⁠: @cherie.brooke & @jeanluo_ Youtube: @cherie.brooke & The Tiger Sisters Shop Sisters Matcha ⸻ ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aishwarya Iyer, Founder of Brightland, on Copycats, Creator Culture, and Building a Luxury Brand From Burnout What happens when a health scare leads you to reinvent the olive oil aisle—and you end up in the middle of a New York Times “olive oil war” after being bullied online by another founder? In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie sits down with Aishwarya Iyer, the founder of Brightland, to unpack how one wellness wake-up call turned into a category-defining pantry brand that landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2022. Aishwarya shares the moment her health shifted everything, why she turned to fashion houses like Gucci and Ralph Lauren—not food brands—for inspiration, and how she reimagined a dusty commodity into a cult-status luxury product. And how wholesale partners like Amazon and Nordstrom helped scale her business. They go deep on what it really takes to build a premium brand in a saturated category, how to handle copycats with clarity instead of chaos, and why going viral isn’t a requirement for building something iconic. Aishwarya also opens up about becoming a mom after nine years of marriage, not knowing if she wanted kids—and what motherhood taught her about identity, ambition, and leadership. Whether you're building a brand, balancing personal transformation, or trying to define success on your own terms, this one’s for you. ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways From burnout to Brightland. A personal health scare led Aishwarya to create Brightland—not to build a brand, but to solve a real kitchen problem. That authenticity became her edge. Luxury in the details. Inspired by Gucci and Ralph Lauren, Brightland’s premium packaging and positioning turned pantry staples into cultural icons—proving that higher pricing only works when backed by quality. Success invites copycats. After the New York Times spotlighted the “olive oil wars,” Aishwarya reflects on being mimicked and publicly called out. Her response? Founders should lead with vision, not defensiveness. Motherhood changes everything. Launching Brightland and becoming a mother at the same time brought guilt, growth, and identity shifts—reshaping how she leads. Visibility isn’t everything. Aishwarya skipped TikTok and virality, choosing substance over flash. Staying behind the scenes helped her build lasting brand equity. ⸻ This episode is sponsored by - Pique - Use this link for 20% off. - Frate Returns - Tell them HSR sent you and learn more here ⸻ Items Mentioned in This Episode - Brightland Olive Oil - use code HSRBRIGHTLAND for 20% off your first purchase up until November 1, 2025 ⸻ Links Use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Opus Clip⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to turn long videos into shorts. ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠Subscribe on Youtube⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer b... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie Sellers sits down with Natalie Holloway, co-founder of ⁠Bala⁠, the brand that made fitness hot. Natalie built Bala into a $20M business with a Shark Tank deal from Mark Cuban, faced near bankruptcy, and navigated the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship—all while raising three kids under four. The conversation gets real as Natalie shares the hardest moments of scaling Bala, from the chaos of explosive growth during COVID to nearly losing the company. She breaks down what saved the business, why she prioritizes profit overgrowth, and how she made the tough call to lay off nearly her entire team while pregnant. Maggie and Natalie also dive into motherhood, ambition, and the reality of balancing it all—plus, Natalie shares what really happened with Bala’s Drunk Elephant drama, how she deals with copycats, and why she believes affiliate marketing is the future for brands. ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways You can build a $20M brand without raising big VC money. Bala’s success proves that profitability is more important than endless fundraising. Natalie and her husband bootstrapped their way to the top—then nearly lost it all. Scaling fast can break you. Bala blew up overnight after Shark Tank and COVID, but hypergrowth almost killed the business. Natalie shares the hard truth about layoffs, cash flow, and surviving the free fall. Motherhood and entrepreneurship? There’s no perfect balance. Natalie had to make brutal business decisions while pregnant. The real talk: founders don’t get maternity leave, and work-life balance is a myth. Copycats and competition will come—so stay ahead. Drunk Elephant launched a Bala-inspired product. Knockoffs are everywhere. The only way to win is to innovate faster than they can copy. The smartest founders are shifting from influencers to affiliates. Natalie shares why paying influencers big bucks is outdated and why affiliate marketing is the new power move for brands. Negotiate like a man. Women are still underpricing themselves in business. Natalie learned to ask for more, own her worth, and not settle for the first offer. Bala is just getting started. NYC fitness studio? More retail expansion? Natalie spills what’s next and why she’s betting big on IRL experiences and digital fitness. ⸻ This episode is sponsored by Frate Returns. Tell them HSR sent you and learn more here! ⸻ Items Mentioned in This Episode Bala — the original workout bangles. ⁠Shop here⁠ Form x Bala — the set. ⁠Shop here ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. Subscribe on YouTube ⸻ 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. Subscribe here ⸻ Follow Maggie here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weddings. Wealth. Women doing free work. This week, Hot Smart Rich is back with sisters Maggie and Katie Sellers—talking candidly about navigating money in relationships, the pressure of influencer wedding culture, and what happens when someone starts copying your brand move for move. (Hint: you trademark or die.) From a quick catch-up post Maggie's Euro trip to a 400% raise for the DCC, this episode covers personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and straight-up tactical advice on everything from prenups to trademarking to finding a partner who gets your ambition. If you’re navigating wedding pressure, financial conversations in your relationship, or trying to protect your brand from copycats—this one’s for you. ⸻ Key Takeaways Mixed finances doesn’t mean mixed values.Maggie and Katie break down how to approach money in relationships, what to consider before combining finances, and why a prenup is self-respect—not pessimism. Wedding culture is spiraling.From Sophia Richie Grainge to the Bezos/Sanchez media circus, we dissect the current state of influencer weddings—and how to stay grounded in your own vision. You’re not crazy—they’re copying you.Maggie opens up about the reality of being copied and why protecting your intellectual property is not optional. Trademark early, trademark everything. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders effect.The power of reality TV is underestimated—especially when building in public. We explore how narrative-driven platforms shape culture and why founders should pay attention. Women need to stop doing free work.Katie shares the moment that led to a 409% raise—and why advocating for yourself is the most HSR move you can make. AI is not optional.We break down why creators must start experimenting with AI tools (yes, even if you’re not “technical”) and how to think bigger than ChatGPT. Supportive partners are a strategic advantage.Maggie shares the top questions to ask when dating to find someone who supports—not competes with—your ambition. ⸻ Links Use ⁠⁠⁠⁠Opus Clip⁠⁠⁠⁠ to turn long videos into shorts. ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠Subscribe on Youtube⁠ ⸻ 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠Subscribe here!⁠ ⸻ Follow Maggie here: Instagram: ⁠@maggiesellers⁠ TikTok: ⁠@maggiesellers_ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠Maggie Sellers⁠ ShopMy: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to rebuild your life, your body, and your business from scratch? In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie sits down with Bryony Basse (née Deery), founder of Pilates by Bryony and Dior Global Wellness Expert, to talk about the moment everything changed. After a life-altering car accident in her early 20s left her in chronic pain, Bryony turned to Pilates as a form of healing. What started as recovery became her purpose and ultimately a multi-million dollar global brand. She built a multi-million dollar digital fitness business from her living room floor with a tripod and an iPhone, found strength through solitude, and learned that the real flex is owning your identity, your IP, and your income. But the story doesn’t stop at success. Bryony opens up about walking away from a relationship marked by the emotional toll of financial imbalance and power dynamics, and how meeting the love of her life helped her rewrite her story. Financial independence, she shares, gave her the ability to love fully without resentment, performance, or transaction. This is a conversation about power—reclaiming it, building it, and learning how to hold it. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, your voice, or your path, Bryony’s story is proof that everything can change when you stop waiting for permission and start choosing yourself. ⸻ Key Takeaways Your power starts with ownership. Bryony owns her name, her content, and her business. She breaks down why holding the rights to your brand and IP isn’t just smart—it’s essential for building something no one can take away. Learning is a superpower. Through her role as Dior’s Global Wellness Expert, Bryony had a front-row seat to how world-class brands operate. She shares how adopting a learner’s mindset helped her bring luxury strategy to her business—without losing authenticity. She built a multimillion-dollar brand from her living room. After a car accident left her in chronic pain, Pilates became her way back. With nothing but a tripod and an iPhone, she turned that recovery journey into Pilates by Bryony—and never looked back. Financial freedom changed how she loves. Bryony reflects on how financial imbalance shaped a past relationship—and how building her own income allowed her to step into partnership from a place of clarity, not dependence. You can rewrite your story at any time. From heartbreak and injuries to global success, Bryony proves that reinvention is possible when you choose yourself—and stay rooted in your purpose. ⸻ Chapters 00:00 – 09:10: From hospital bed to Pilates—how it all began 09:11 – 18:43: Building Pilates by Bryony with no budget, no help 18:44 – 27:25: Learning from Dior, and the power of a learner's mindset 27:26 – 36:12: Navigating power dynamics and love after success 36:13 – 48:30: The business of wellness, brand-building, and going global ⸻ Links Use ⁠⁠⁠Opus Clip⁠⁠⁠ to turn long videos into shorts. ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allison McNamara, Founder of Mara Beauty, On How Getting Divorced, & Losing 40 Pounds Totally Changed Her Life and Supercharged Her Business What happens when you stop hiding, start healing, and finally show up for yourself—and your brand? In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie sits down with Allison McNamara, founder of MARA Beauty, to unpack the full spectrum of personal and professional transformation—from coming out and getting divorced to finally stepping into her power as both a founder and a face. For the first time, Allison publicly shares what it meant to come out, and how embracing her identity brought her closer to her community and more aligned with her creative voice. She also opens up about the decision to end her marriage, lose 40 pounds, and finally claim her space in front of the camera—not just behind the brand. This conversation goes deep into how these shifts impacted MARA’s success, including three Sephora sellouts, a commitment to owning her formulas, and how leading with clarity and confidence became her greatest business strategy. Whether you're navigating identity, rebuilding after a pivot, or just wondering how to stop playing small—this one’s for you. ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways Coming out helped her come into her power. For the first time, Allison publicly shares what it meant to come out—and how embracing her identity brought her closer to her community and more aligned with her creative voice. Choosing yourself is the first pivot. Ending her marriage wasn’t just a personal decision—it was the catalyst for a full-scale transformation. Allison shares how reclaiming her life also supercharged her business. Wellness isn’t vanity—it’s velocity. Losing 40 pounds helped her feel mentally sharp and physically strong. That internal shift translated into leadership clarity and outward momentum for MARA. You can be both the founder and the face. Stepping into visibility changed everything. Once Allison began showing up for the brand—not just behind it—MARA hit a new growth curve. Owning your formulas is a power move. Allison breaks down why MARA has always developed and owned its formulas—no white labeling, no shortcuts. It’s the long-term play that builds real brand equity and IP value. 3x Sephora sellouts are no accident. MARA’s viral moments didn’t happen by luck. Allison shares the behind-the-scenes decisions—from reformulations to community storytelling—that helped the brand sell out three times at Sephora. Your business grows when you stop playing small. From sharper campaigns to higher ad spend, Allison’s mindset shift led to bold bets—and the returns followed. Quiet confidence can be a competitive edge. MARA’s success is rooted in product integrity, founder honesty, and long-game thinking. Allison shows that you don’t have to be the loudest voice to build one of the most respected brands in beauty. ⸻ Links Use ⁠⁠Opus Clip⁠⁠ to turn long videos into shorts. ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, c... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the internet turns on you, your marriage falls apart behind the scenes—and you still scale Naturium (your startup) into a $355M acquisition from e.l.f.? Susan Yara is telling her side of the story. In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie sits down with Susan Yara, the founder of Naturium, for one of the most honest and tactical conversations we’ve had on the show. Known for her credibility and candor in the beauty space, Susan opens up about the backlash over her undisclosed involvement in Naturium, being cleared by the FTC, and scaling a brand that became a case study in profitability, performance, and modern brand-building. But this isn’t just a founder story—it’s a personal one. Susan shares what it was like navigating a divorce while in the public eye, raising two kids as a single mom, and redefining her relationship with identity, ambition, and authenticity. From moments that nearly broke her to the business strategies that built her, this episode is a blueprint for long-game thinking in beauty and beyond. Naturium became one of the first creator-founded skincare brands to exit at scale—paving the way for brands like Rhode by Hailey Bieber to follow. As a pioneer in the masstige skincare category, Susan didn’t just ride the wave—she helped define it. Her story proves that credibility, community, and clarity still win in the age of algorithms and outrage. For anyone building in public, recovering from criticism, or wondering if you can be both honest and successful—this one’s for you. ⸻ Key Takeaways Controversy doesn’t cancel you—lack of clarity does. Susan opens up about the Naturium backlash, her FTC clearance, and how transparency helped rebuild trust with her audience and consumers. You can build while breaking down. She reflects on navigating a divorce during the brand’s biggest growth phase—and how personal transformation shaped her leadership. Masstige is the new frontier. Naturium’s success helped define the mid-tier, high-efficacy skincare category, making room for other creator brands like Rhode to follow. Retail still matters. Scaling with Target wasn’t just a channel strategy—it was a credibility builder. Susan breaks down how shelf space drove awareness and repeat sales. Quiet founders can lead loud growth. Susan never sought the CEO spotlight. But leaning into her strength as an operator—not just an influencer—helped Naturium stand out in a crowded space. Partnerships over Perfection. She unpacks her working relationship with Ben Bennett and how mutual trust helped them navigate mistakes, milestones, and media storms. Margins over vibes. Susan made Naturium profitable from day one—and explains why obsessing over contribution margin (not Instagram likes) is what scaled the business. ⸻ Use ⁠Opus Clip⁠ to turn long videos into shorts. ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⸻ 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠⁠⁠Subscr... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when your salary becomes a headline, Oprah steps back, and your bet on the future of health divides the internet (and the markets)? In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie sits down with Sima Sistani, former CEO of WeightWatchers as she reflects on the boldest pivot in WW’s history—integrating GLP-1 medications like Ozempic—and what it was like to be at the center of a cultural storm. From media backlash to public salary scrutiny, she shares what the press missed, what she’d do differently, and how she found peace in stepping away. This is a masterclass in how modern CEOs manage perception and pressure. Sima and Maggie talk about ambition, identity, criticism, and the discomfort of no longer being the one everyone’s watching. This episode isn’t just about reinventing a brand—it’s about reinventing yourself. For founders and operators, it’s a blueprint for leading with conviction—even when the room isn’t ready. ⸻ Key Takeaways GLP-1s changed the game—if you were paying attention. Sima didn’t wait for consensus. She led a bet-the-company pivot based on science. She acted fast, with one eye on cultural shifts and one on long-term impact. Strategy requires stamina. Pivoting WW came with skepticism and scrutiny. Sima stayed the course, proving that real reinvention requires endurance—not just vision. The most powerful rebrands come from within. Sima joined WW to shift diet culture from the inside. Real change comes from systems, not slogans. Public perception doesn’t always match private reality. From Oprah’s exit to WW’s bankruptcy headlines, Sima shares what the media missed—and what she stands by. In public leadership, clarity is not spin. It’s survival. Visibility is vulnerability—especially for women. Sima reflects on being a public CEO, mother, and Iranian-American woman in a system built for polish. She proves you don’t have to sand yourself down to be taken seriously. Apology is not weakness—it’s real leadership. When called out by body positivity advocate Katie Sturino, Sima didn’t hide. She apologized, then turned it into a platform for change. Money and meaning aren’t always aligned. Sima shares how it felt to see her comp become a headline—and how she stayed centered through the noise. Leaving can be leadership, too. Stepping down was a full-circle decision. Sometimes your greatest impact is knowing when to walk away. What do you do when the noise dies down? Sima speaks honestly about no longer being in the spotlight—and how letting go helped her reconnect with purpose. ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. ⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠ ⸻ 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. ⁠Subscribe here⁠ ⸻ Follow Maggie here: Instagram: ⁠@maggiesellers ⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠@maggiesellers_ ⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after 10 seasons on national TV? You build something of your own. In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie sits down with professional dancer and entrepreneur Lindsay Arnold to talk about life after Dancing with the Stars — from launching The Movement Club to growing a brand rooted in purpose. Lindsay shares how motherhood motivated her to build something real, how she overcame doubt to launch, and what it’s like to go from talent to founder. They cover brand trips that convert, building in public, and navigating money, marriage, and motherhood with clarity. For anyone making a pivot, balancing life and ambition, or building with intention — this one’s for you. ⸻ Key Takeaways ​You just have to start. Lindsay launched The Movement Club during her first pregnancy, not because it was the perfect time but because she knew the need was real. Action beats perfection. ​Authenticity scaled her business. The Movement Club didn’t go viral overnight. It grew because Lindsay integrated it into her real life. Her audience didn’t just watch her promote it—they watched her live it. ​She’s part of the new wave of founder-led brands. With over 2.5 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, Lindsay is building trust and brand equity in public and showing creators how to do it with intention. ​Brand trips work when they’re intentional. The Movement Club’s Hawaii trip wasn’t just about content. It delivered a 200 percent ROI on subscriptions and sparked community-led growth. ​Motherhood is a multiplier, not a limitation. Becoming a mom gave Lindsay the clarity and conviction to build with purpose. It didn’t slow her down. It gave her a deeper reason to speed up. ​Being the breadwinner comes with its own dynamics. Lindsay shared what it’s like to navigate ambition, marriage, and money as the primary earner, and how she and her husband Sam stay grounded in true partnership. ​Softness and strength can coexist. From postpartum to pivoting in public, Lindsay proves you can be transparent without oversharing and still lead with power and clarity. ⸻ Try The Movement Club With a 7 Day Free Trial ⸻ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. Subscribe on YouTube ⸻ 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. Subscribe here ⸻ Follow Maggie here: Instagram: @maggiesellers ⁠ TikTok: @maggiesellers_ ⁠⁠ LinkedIn: Maggie Sellers ⁠ ShopMy Amazon Storefront ⸻ Follow Lindsay here:<... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vivian Tu (@YourRichBFF) sits down with Maggie for some unfiltered girl talk about the Wall Street lessons that led her to walk away from a $625K job and build a $7M media empire - and to talk about her new New York Times bestselling book, Well Endowed! She breaks down her proprietary 5-step STRIP method for ambitious women who want to build wealth, create generational security, and rethink what it really means to be “filthy rich.” From the dating questions you should ask to get “financially naked” with a partner, to knowing when to stay in your job and when to make your next move, Vivian shares a practical blueprint for taking control of your money and building a life on your own terms. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:11 Growing Up Without Money 00:03:53 First Step To Wealth 00:06:14 Power Of Elite Résumés 00:07:47 When To Leave Jobs 00:09:26 Opportunity During Recessions 00:11:25 Fixing Bad Money Habits 00:16:05 Rich vs Looking Rich 00:18:07 Should You Bet On Yourself 00:20:59 Finance Basics Everyone Needs 00:23:59 Understanding The STRIP Method 00:25:11 Path To Financial Freedom 00:26:59 Fiverr Ad 00:28:02 Weekly Money Habits 00:30:00 How Much To Start Investing 00:31:07 Building Wealth Online 00:31:33 Internal vs External Mindset 00:33:28 Balancing Spending And Saving 00:37:23 Credit Card Marketing Explained 00:41:02 Credit Card Red Flags 00:43:30 When To Talk Money Dating 00:45:54 Generational Wealth Debate 00:48:24 Who This Book Helps 00:49:34 Controversial Housing Advice 00:51:08 Stan Ad 00:52:10 Pique Ad 00:53:08 Meaning Of Well Endowed 00:54:42 Money In Relationships 00:56:04 Saver vs Spender Couples 01:01:01 Don’t Marry A Loser 01:04:06 Creator Income Reality 01:04:57 Walking Away From $625K 01:06:08 Cost Of Entrepreneurship 01:09:25 Spending vs Enjoying Life 01:10:00 Last Credit Card Purchase 01:10:27 Most Expensive Card Charge 01:10:46 Favorite Comfort Creator 01:11:12 Should You Buy Sales? 01:11:39 This Season Of Life 01:11:58 Vivian’s Daily Mantra 01:12:44 Where To Find Vivian Purchase Vivian Tu’s new book Well Endowed here: https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/wellendowed Follow Vivian Tu: www.instagram.com/your.richbff ⸻ Sponsors: Fiverr - If you are scaling a business, then you need to visit https://pro.fiverr.com Stan - Learn more at http://getstanley.ai/maggie Pique - https://piquelife.com/hsr for 10% off ⸻ Hot Smart Rich: Your Business & Culture Gossip For ambitious women wanting to own the room, gain power, and build wealth. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotsmartrich/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hotsmartrich Maggie Sellers Reum: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellersreum/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellersreum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ Locker: https://www.wantlocker.com/users/maggiesellers ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Work-Life Balance Is a Lie (and What Ambition Really Costs) In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie Sellers sits down with her sister and co-founder Katie Sellers to talk about the myth of balance, the reality of modern ambition, and what women really give up to build businesses, families, and brands at the same time. From the truth behind “having it all” to what social media doesn’t show about life after kids, Maggie and Katie get into the trade-offs no one warns you about — including how ambition evolves through different seasons of life. They also break down the power of being offline, the limits of personal brand transparency, and why it’s okay to not want to monetize every part of your identity. Whether you’re single and building, deep in your mom era, or trying to find the line between ambition and burnout, this one’s for you. – Key Takeaways Work-life balance is a myth. The idea that you can give 100% to work and 100% to your personal life at the same time is a lie. Balance comes in seasons — not spreadsheets. Ambition changes shape. Your twenties might be all grind. Your thirties might demand more flexibility. Neither season is less valid than the other. The thicker the skin, the more you convert. If you’re building a brand in public, you’re going to get feedback. The women winning online know how to separate critique from identity. You don’t have to share everything to be real. You can build a successful personal brand without posting your finances, your kids, or your relationship. Boundaries are power. Moms are the most powerful marketing engine on earth. The Stanley Cup didn’t go viral because of paid ads — it went viral in a group chat. Consumer power is cultural power. From brands like Cakes offering $36K in child support benefits to founder-led companies that lead with values, today’s consumers are voting with their wallets. Creatorship isn’t a personality — it’s a job. Just because you’re online doesn’t mean your life is up for consumption. Creators get to have private lives too. – Items and Brands Mentioned In This Episode Sir the Label dress Stanley Cup – The viral 40oz Quencher cup that moms made famous. Frida Mom – The snot sucker (from Frida Baby) Cakes – Highlighted for offering $36K/year in child support benefits and building brand loyalty through values. Locker – An HSR portfolio company working to democratize affiliate tools for creators. – Other Podcasts Referenced Diary of a CEO – Emma Grede’s episode sparked the deeper discussion around ambition, motherhood, and the myth of work-life balance. – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. Subscribe on Youtube – 💌Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie Sellers sits down with Chloe Sappern and Lydia Berry, the powerhouse duo behind Darlington, the social-first agency trusted by Sofia Richie Grainge, Miranda Kerr, Megan Roup, Serena Kerrigan, Kate Love, Emily DiDonato, Cameron Rogers, Liv Perez, and more. Darlington isn’t just another digital agency—it’s the industry’s best-kept secret, crafting the social presence of some of the most recognizable faces in fashion, beauty, and pop culture. Founded less than a year ago, they’ve grown entirely through inbound demand and referrals. Their work has led to over 1,000% increases in views, 2,000% growth in likes and shares, and double-digit follower growth for A-list clients in just a few months. Key Takeaways: Social is a non-negotiable. If you’re not on Instagram or TikTok, you’re missing the moment. Whether you’re building a personal brand or a business, consistent content — not perfection — is what drives growth and visibility. White space is an invitation. Chloe and Lydia saw a gap in how celebrities and creators were being supported online and built a talent business that met the moment. The biggest brands often start where no one else is looking. Start scrappy, not silent. Your first TikTok might flop. Your second might go viral. But you won’t know unless you post. Trial reels, cross-platform testing, and messy momentum are how personal brands gain traction. Your strategy should reflect your life — not just the algorithm. Instagram Stories, TikTok trends, and behind-the-scenes content can all work if they align with your energy and goals. There’s more than one way to win online. “Date” your co-founder before you commit. Starting a business together is a bigger deal than signing a lease. Chloe and Lydia tested their dynamic first — and found out their complementary strengths made them stronger. Complementary skill sets matter more than matching aesthetics. The best co-founder relationships (especially in fast-moving industries like social and creator marketing) are built on different perspectives, not just shared vibes. The future of talent is hybrid: part agency, part social strategist. Chloe and Lydia aren’t just managing creators — they’re helping talent show up strategically on TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. -- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. -- 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the ⁠Hot Smart Rich newsletter,⁠ the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. Subscribe here: https://hotsmartrich.com/subscribe -- Follow Maggie here: Instagram: @maggiesellers TikTok: @maggiesellers_https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellers_ LinkedIn: Maggie Sellers ShopMy: Maggie Sellers Amazon Storefront: maggiesellers -- Follow Darlington, Lydia, and Chloe here: Instagram: @atdarlington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie sits down with Sheena Zadeh, founder of Kosas, for a real conversation about what it actually takes to build an iconic brand — and survive everything life throws at you at the same time. Sheena talks openly about losing her house in the LA fires, going through a divorce while scaling a consumer startup, and rebuilding not just her business, but her life. She shares what no one tells you about success, money, grief, and balance — and why real female empowerment looks different than the internet makes it seem. Whether you’re building your own thing, thinking about early-stage investing, or just figuring out how to make sense of your ambition, relationships, and sanity, Sheena’s story is proof you can lose everything and still come back stronger. -- Key Takeaways Resilience isn’t glamorous, it’s survival. Sheena rebuilt her life and brand after losing her house and going through divorce — and talks openly about how grief and success can coexist. Consumer startups aren’t built off a single viral moment. Kosas’ growth came from slow, steady, unsexy consistency — not one “big break.” Money provides safety, not happiness. Wealth-building matters, but fulfillment comes from your relationships, your rituals, and the life you’re actually living — not your bank account. Founders sacrifice more than anyone sees. From missing out on memories to navigating single motherhood while scaling a brand, the personal cost is real (and rarely talked about). Brand loyalty matters more than brand heat. Kosas wasn’t chasing headlines — it was building real consumer love, which lasts longer than any viral moment. Your personal brand should feel like an extension of your real life. You don’t have to fake high energy or become someone else to be visible — you can build it authentically, even as an introvert. There’s no “balance” when you’re building — and that’s okay. The idea of balance looks different at different stages, and sometimes survival is the balance. Your real legacy isn’t your resume — it’s the life you lived. What you create, who you love, and what you experience matter more than your LinkedIn title. -- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life. -- 💌 Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms. -- Follow Maggie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiesellers/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesellers_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellersmaggie/ ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/maggiesellers Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/maggiesellers -- Follow Sheena here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheena/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sheenazadeh -- More from Hot Smart Rich: The Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset: https://hotsmartrich.shop/collections/shop-all/products/hsr-50-20-20-10-method Merch: https://hotsmartrich.shop/ -- This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC, with support from Coldea Productions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Hot Smart Rich, Maggie Sellers and Katie Sellers break down the five biggest stories shaping beauty, retail, and the startup lifestyle—$50M lawsuits, fake Birkins, rebrand flops, and the future of K-beauty. We get into: The truth about K-beauty medical tourism (and what went wrong for one woman who lost her vision) Why Olive Young might eat Sephora’s lunch—and what beauty from the inside out really looks like How Boy Smells lost the plot with their rebrand (and their core customer) How TikTok creators in China are exposing luxury markups—and what that means for the future of fashion houses and consumer trust What the Revolve lawsuit reveals about influencer marketing, taxes, and the fine print no one talks about 📌 Like what you hear? Rate + review the pod to support women who are redefining what it means to build power—through culture, capital, and consumer.  Brands, Products & Things Mentioned in This Episode Olive Young Sephora Revolve Boy Smells 4AM Skin Phlur by Chriselle Lim Freja New York Polène DHGate Amore Vintage Tokyo CONNECT WITH MAGGIE: INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠⁠@maggiesellers ⁠⁠⁠ TIKTOK: ⁠⁠⁠@maggiesellers_ ⁠⁠⁠ LINKEDIN: ⁠⁠⁠Maggie Sellers ⁠⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH KATIE: INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@katiesellers_ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ LINKEDIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Katie Sellers⁠⁠ ⁠ READ THE NEWSLETTER: ⁠⁠⁠HSR ICYMI ⁠⁠⁠ SHOP HSR: ⁠⁠⁠HSR MERCH⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠SHOP MY⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠AMAZON⁠⁠⁠ This episode is produced by HSR Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices