My guest today is the brilliant and endlessly creative Dylan Lauren, founder and CEO of Dylan’s Candy Bar — a business she launched in 2001 that has since become one of the most iconic and joyful retail experiences in the world. You’ve probably seen the rainbow-striped stores, the oversized lollipops, the celebrity fans, or the jaw-dropping candy displays that look more like pop art installations than shop fittings — and that’s all by design.

In this conversation, Dylan shares the story of how she built a brand that blends fashion, art, and pop culture — inspired by everything from Willy Wonka to FAO Schwarz, from childhood travel to growing up in a famously creative household. We talk about:

• What it’s like to launch a retail concept when no one’s done anything like it before
• How she stayed true to her vision while learning the ropes of finance, operations, and scaling
• The tension between trends and timelessness
• And how she carves out time for creativity, family, and sanity in a business built on color and chaos

We also touch on leadership, collaboration, burnout, and why some of the best business ideas still come from simply trusting your gut — and keeping a sketchbook close.

If you’re an entrepreneur, a retail obsessive, or someone looking to blend joy with business savvy, this one’s for you.

Thanks to our sponsor, Happy Mammoth. Head to Happymammoth.com and use code SMARTER for 15% off.

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