#292: If you need inspiration to focus, this episode is it.

Today I’m sitting down with Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye, founder of cult favorite beauty brand Ami Colé, to break down the real, unfiltered journey of bringing a big idea to fruition. From growing up at her mother’s salon to working at beauty giants like Glossier and L’Oréal, Diarrha shares how purpose, identity, and intention shaped every step of her path.

We talk about why the ability to focus is the most important skill you need, and how Diarrha is pushing the beauty industry to evolve by creating a brand that centers authenticity and celebrates all shades of beauty.

We Also Talk About…

• Diarrha’s journey from working in corporate beauty to founding her own beauty brand.
• The key strategies for transitioning from an direct-to-consumer business to expanding into retail stores like Sephora.
• The best way to support your favorite indie brands.
• Tips for time management as a founder: balancing your focus between product development, marketing, and operations.
• The secrets to successful content creation that resonates with your audience and strengthens your brand’s identity.

Resources:

• Follow Diarrha on Instagram
• Follow Ami Colé on Instagram
• Visit https://www.amicole.com/ to order your favorite beauty products
• Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les
• Check out my new brand Spacious Rituals and get your virtual planner for 2025!

Keep in touch:

• Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Follow on TikTok: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Sponsors:

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• Nutrafol | Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.
• Shopify | Get your online business up and running with Shopify. Sign up for $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.
• Medtronic | Talking about heart disease could save your life. For more information and to take the pledge to talk to your mother or a woman in your life about heart health, visit Alettertomymother.com

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. 

Produced by Dear Media.

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