MiniLuxe, an ethics-driven nail salon chain, is on a mission to make the business of self-care safer and more equitable for all. We sat down with CEO Zoe Krislock to talk about the on the challenges and rewards of running a purpose-driven commercial organization, the reimagining of their service-based business during COVID and what MiniLuxe is doing to support the Stop Asian Hate movement and other important causes. 

Since 2013, actor and activist Rosario Dawson and former luxury fashion brand executive Abrima Erwiah have been building Studio 189, a sought-after clothing line that promotes and curates authentic African designs. In this episode, the founders explain how they’re using fashion itself as an agent for social change and the practical lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Comedian, drag queen, musician and entrepreneur, Trixie Mattel knows a thing or two about making things work. “With drag queens especially,” she says, “we're not used to having every amenity. I mean, at a drag show, you know, it can be a barn light and a milk crate and a broken jukebox.” In this episode, the Founder of Trixie Cosmetics, explains how she went from a wide-eyed country kid to a celebrated entertainer and business owner, plus the mantra and the methods that drive her success. 

In 1987, Ben Ford was knocking on restaurant back doors in San Francisco. He was looking for kitchen work, and there was one job to aspire to: head chef. 30-some years later, Ford has transcended that role with multiple restaurants, an artisanal sauce line and an online marketplace for local food purveyors. In a recent Office Hours Q&A, Ford shared lessons learned from a career dedicated to bringing integrity to the food that people every day. 

Courtney Adeleye, Founder and CEO of Olbali, says she has one rule: “If you can’t make it better, don’t make it at all.” In this episode, Olbali describes how she grew a $500 investment in a haircare product company out of her home into a multimillion-dollar, multi-brand consumer packaged goods company. She also tells us about her investment in other minority women-owned businesses—plus, why she starts most days by answering the questions of aspiring entrepreneurs.

Dawn Dickson’s company, PopCom, is bringing AI to on-the-go retail. In this conversation, the serial entrepreneur and IT veteran describes how solving her own need for smarter vending machines led to a breakthrough venture, plus what she learned from launching her product during the pandemic.  This episode is hosted by Jenny Shum, Vice President of US Small and Medium Customer and Product Marketing at American Express.

Jean Brownhill, Founder and CEO of Sweeten, has created a home renovation platform that matches projects with vetted general contractors. In this episode, the architect-turned-entrepreneur explains how she took Sweeten from fledgling startup to industry innovator. We’ll also hear how she’s thinking about the office now that pandemic has “cracked open our imaginations about work-life balance.

Social entrepreneur, Jasmine Crowe, explains how her platform Goodr reduces food waste and supplies hungry people with meals, and how it’s possible to do well by doing good. 

Hassan Osman is a best-selling author of books for busy managers, including “Influencing Virtual Teams.” Listen in and learn how to create a strong culture of teamwork in an increasingly virtual world. This episode is hosted by JJ Ramberg, entrepreneur, author, and former MSNBC anchor. 

Bonnie St. John is a Fortune 500 Leadership Expert, President of the Blue Circle Leadership Institute, and bestselling author of “Micro-Resilience.” Hear her coach listeners through her science-backed hacks for renewing focus, energy and drive when you need it most. This episode is hosted by JJ Ramberg, entrepreneur, author, and former MSNBC anchor.