Amy Liu’s journey to redefining clean beauty started in her own skin. As someone with eczema, she knew firsthand the struggle of finding beauty products that were both safe and effective. The industry was full of promises, but few products delivered results without irritation.  

After years of working behind the scenes at Smashbox, Kate Somerville, and Josie Maran Cosmetics, Amy found herself at a crossroads. She had built brands for others, but what about a brand built for people like her? People who wanted beauty without compromise? At 40, she took the leap and launched Tower 28, the first and only beauty brand 100% compliant with the National Eczema Association’s ingredient guidelines.  

In this episode, Nancy and Amy unpack the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—overcoming the fear of failure, scaling a business while staying true to her mission, and bringing her husband on board as CFO. Recognized as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for Greater Los Angeles and one of Goldman Sachs’ most exceptional entrepreneurs, Amy has proven that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of integrity.  

This is a conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of collaboration over competition. Above all, it’s a story about turning a personal struggle into a movement that’s changing the face of beauty.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[04:26] Struggling with eczema and the need for safe beauty products

[05:52] Discovering the flaws in clean beauty

[07:38] Why it took her so long to start her own business

[08:54] Getting her first investment and launching Tower 28

[10:42] Why launching at 40 was the right decision

[11:58] The myth of overnight success and why experience matters

[13:21] The role of a CEO and why she chose to stay in the position

[14:47] Challenges of balancing leadership with business growth

[16:32] Bringing her husband in as CFO and working with a spouse

[18:15] Breaking through the crowded beauty market

[19:44] The philosophy behind Tower 28’s product development

[21:18] Why sensitive skin testing sets Tower 28 apart

[22:53] Expanding at Sephora and becoming a top-performing brand

[24:36] When to raise money and how to choose the right investors

[26:24] Private equity, beauty playbooks, and scaling successfully

[28:10] The challenges of hiring and building the right team

[30:28] Leadership lessons and learning from mistakes

[32:42] Creating Clean Beauty Summer School and supporting founders

[34:20] The importance of representation in the beauty industry

[36:08] Why collaboration is more powerful than competition

[38:35] Advice for struggling entrepreneurs in a competitive market

Resources Mentioned:

Tower 28 | Website

National Eczema Association | Website

Sephora Clean | Website

Goop Clean | Website

Credo Clean | Website

Clean Beauty Summer School | Website

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Cristina Nuñez didn’t just break into the beauty industry—she’s redefining who gets to shape it. She started her career in traditional finance and private equity, but craved something more personal and creative. So she rolled up her sleeves and jumped into roles that  strategically built beauty brands, including Laura Geller and Clark’s Botanicals. 

Now, as co-founder and General Partner of True Beauty Ventures, Cristina is rewriting the VC playbook for the industry—one founder, one investment at a time. She’s not just writing checks for beauty startups; she’s building trust, offering strategy, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with brands like K18, Crown Affair, and Moon Juice. In a fundraising climate where doubt often outweighs belief, Cristina is proof that clarity, conviction, and heart still win.

In this episode, she opens up about dealing with loss, pivoting with purpose, and what it really takes to be investment-ready in today’s beauty and wellness space. Whether you're a founder looking for funds right now or still in the visioning stage, this conversation will change how you think about scaling, pitching, and the power of leading with empathy.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[00:57] Cristina’s path from finance to beauty

[02:56] Why she left investing to build brands

[04:00] Personal turning point: her father's diagnosis

[06:54] Launching True Beauty Ventures

[08:49] Doubts from male investors and pushing through

[10:54] The case for more diverse funders

[11:47] What is venture capital?

[12:56] How True Beauty Ventures is different

[15:45] The five P’s of investment readiness

[17:45] What do investors look for in founders?

[20:47] Misconceptions about working with investors

[22:47] How to build trust with VCs

[24:44] Focus, prioritization, and saying no

[26:45] How to get on an investor’s radar

[30:45] Why founder prep matters in fundraising

[31:44] How early-stage valuation actually works

[34:45] Common mistakes founders make

[36:47] Why tight assortments win in beauty

[39:45] The danger of low product margins

[42:47] The value of founder business acumen

[44:47] Cristina’s morning routine and wellness habits

[48:45] Advice for founders raising capital now

To learn more about Cristina, follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Resources Mentioned:

True Beauty Ventures | Website

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience | Website

Crown Affair | Website

Moon Juice | Website

Equinox | Website

L Catterton | Website

Clark’s Botanicals | Website

Tengram Capital Partners | Website

Laura Geller Beauty | Website

Clark's Botanicals | Website

Youthforia | Website

JumpStart Beauty Brand with Rohit Banota Episode 7 on What Beauty Founders Don't Know with Cristina Nuñez | Spotify or Apple

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Monique Rodriguez’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and bold reinvention. She dedicated nearly a decade to healthcare as a registered nurse, but the loss of her son in 2013 shifted everything. In the wake of that tragedy, Monique found clarity—and the courage to follow a lifelong passion for beauty. With no formal business background, she launched Mielle Organics from her kitchen and built it into one of the fastest-growing textured haircare brands in the country.

Now, Mielle Organics is not only a staple in major retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS, but also a study in authentic brand-building. Her approach is rooted in community, education, and transparency. As the CEO, she’s built trust by simply being herself—from going live every day during the pandemic to letting customers weigh in on packaging decisions. She’s also navigated the complex world of retail expansion by knowing when to say no and when to scale up.

In 2021, Mielle took on private equity for the first time. Just 18 months later, she and her COO, who happens to be her husband, Melvon, sold the company to P&G — but not before making sure the deal would preserve the integrity of the brand. Monique still runs the company today, and she’s focused on building a legacy, not just a business. 

Monique  recently added “author” to her list of titles with a book that helps people find purpose in their own stories. She lives in Chicago with her family, where she balances leading a global brand with slow mornings, warm lemon water, and staying grounded in faith.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction  

[07:52] Starting a business without experience or connections

[08:34] Learning the business side and asking for help

[09:20] The challenge of raising capital as a Black female founder

[10:10] Bootstrapping Mielle before taking on funding

[10:59] Why Monique turned down Walmart the first time

[12:30] Building long-term sustainability, not short-term hype

[13:00] How Mielle went viral with rosemary mint oil

[13:44] Creating viral moments through authenticity

[14:22] Building trust through storytelling and transparency

[15:05] Turning customers into community

[15:42] How Monique stayed present online without burning out

[16:19] The power of community to support during backlash

[18:52] The emotional link between beauty and customer loyalty

[19:30] Building real connections at trade shows

[20:02] Standing out in a crowded beauty industry

[20:50] How community building helped attract investors

[21:32] Education as a brand differentiator

[22:10] Creating emotional experiences around products

[23:02] Going big at trade shows to make a lasting impression

[23:55] Using experience to fuel word-of-mouth marketing

[25:10] Sharing behind-the-scenes with her community

[27:20] Handling criticism and negativity online

[28:13] Protecting mental health while being a public founder

[31:12] The reality of criticism for successful female founders

[31:58] Taking on private equity from Berkshire Partners

[32:44] Why Monique wanted to maintain majority ownership

[33:40] Finding the right kind of investor partnership

[34:21] What to look for in a private equity deal

[35:04] Planning for an eventual acquisition

[35:40] How fast the P&G acquisition came together

[37:06] Choosing the right partner over the highest bidder

[39:30] Benefits of selling to a strategic like P&G

[40:18] Brand globalization and new opportunities

[40:50] Access to better ingredients and scientific resources

[43:48] Balancing business and marriage

[46:00] Monique’s slow morning routine

[49:18] Key lessons around mindset, faith, and perseverance

Resources Mentioned:

The Glory in Your Story by Monique Rodriguez | Book or Audiobook

Mielle Organics | Website

P&G | Website

Berkshire Partners | Website

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Meera Bhatia’s career is a masterclass in transformation, bridging the worlds of technology and retail. She started at Microsoft, Expedia, and LinkedIn, where data and innovation were king. But instead of staying in the tech lane, she saw something others didn’t: the power of technology to reshape the retail landscape. 

Now, as the Chief Operating Officer of Fabletics and President of TechStyleOS, Meera is rewriting the rules of fashion commerce. She doesn’t just oversee growth, technology, and supply chain operations—she orchestrates them, weaving AI, data, and personalization into an omnichannel experience that keeps millions of members engaged. In an industry where trends come and go, she’s building a model designed to last. Her approach is simple but powerful: Meet the customers where they are, innovate fearlessly, and always stay ahead of the curve. 

Meera’s leadership includes roles at Stella & Dot and Savage x Fenty, where she merged consumer insights with digital strategy. She lives in Los Angeles, where she balances the intensity of scaling brands with embracing wellness and staying active.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[01:17] Meera’s transition from tech to retail

[02:41] The role of technology in modern retail

[04:03] Understanding customer needs through data

[05:26] How Fabletics’ membership model drives engagement

[06:48] Challenges and benefits of a subscription-based business

[08:14] Why personalization is crucial in e-commerce

[09:37] Leveraging AI for better customer experiences

[11:02] How businesses can start small with AI

[12:29] The importance of an omnichannel retail strategy

[13:53] The role of physical stores in digital-first brands

[15:21] How online presence boosts retail locations

[16:44] Leadership strategies for collaboration and empowerment

[18:07] The importance of assuming the best intent in teamwork

[19:33] How to scale a brand while staying agile

[21:09] Why hiring the right people is key to business success

[22:46] Investing in the most critical areas of a business

[24:13] How Meera stays resilient as a leader

[25:38] Balancing work and wellness for long-term success

[27:04] Why mindset is everything in business

Resources Mentioned:

Fabletics | Website

Savage x Fenty | Website

Stella & Dot | Website

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www.makersmindset.com 

Brigette Romanek is an acclaimed interior designer and the founder of Romanek Design Studio. In this episode, Brigette shares her journey from a self-taught design enthusiast to one of the most sought-after interior designers, working with A-list clients like Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Christian Bale.

Since launching her studio in 2018, Brigette has been consistently recognized on Architectural Digest’s AD100 and First Dibs 50 lists.  She was named an Elle Decor Titan in 2024. In this conversation, she opens up about building a successful creative business, trusting her instincts over formal training, balancing luxury with functionality, and staying resilient in an ever-evolving industry.

Brigette is also the author of the bestselling book Livable Luxe, which showcases her signature design approach: beautiful, livable spaces that support and inspire. Whether you're an aspiring designer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves stunning interiors, this episode is packed with wisdom, creativity, and business-savvy insights you won’t want to miss.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[03:52] Exposure to global design through travel

[05:36] Trusting instinct over formal training

[06:01] Challenging traditional design rules

[07:11] Blending luxury with functionality

[08:52] Creating spaces that feel lived in

[09:30] Making client visions a reality

[10:21] Customizing designs for each project

[11:19] Writing the book Livable Luxe

[12:57] The power of storytelling in design

[14:07] Walking as a form of creative reset

[15:21] Finding inspiration in everyday life

[16:43] Breaking from routine to spark ideas

[17:15] Scaling a design studio without losing quality

[18:45] Lessons learned from business growth

[20:14] Building a strong team for success

[21:31] The importance of setting clear boundaries

[22:49] Navigating client expectations

[23:16] Encouraging team input and creativity

[24:42] Balancing leadership with artistic freedom

[25:06] Creating a supportive studio culture

[26:07] Learning from early business mistakes

[28:28] Expanding into product lines

[30:46] Bringing in experts to support business growth

[31:55] The importance of delegation

[34:00] Common challenges for new designers

[35:23] How Brigette's biggest client collaborations happened

[36:45] Working with high-profile clients

[37:39] The creative freedom clients give her

[38:47] Overcoming setbacks as an entrepreneur

[39:35] Staying resilient in a competitive industry

[40:36] The power of believing in yourself

[42:03] Advice for self-taught designers

Resources Mentioned:

Livable Luxe by Brigette Romanek | Book

Romanek Design Studio | Website

Follow Nancy Twine:

Instagram: @nancytwine

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Shani Darden, the founder of Shani Darden Skincare, has built a name as Hollywood’s go-to skincare expert. She is trusted by stars like Jessica Alba, Chrissy Teigen, and Kelly Rowland for her results-driven approach. After training under a top dermatologist, she developed her own formulations, launching her flagship studio in Beverly Hills in 2019 and securing a coveted spot at Sephora in 2020. 

In this episode, Shani talks about how she went from mixing masks in her childhood home to creating one of the most sought-after skincare brands. She opens up about navigating the beauty industry, building a brand without a roadmap, and staying hands-on with clients while scaling a business. You’ll hear her insights on effective product development, the power of social media, and the strategies she learned over her career.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[04:08] Creating Retinol Reform and entering the skincare industry

[05:14] Transitioning from service-based work to product development

[06:27] Challenges in launching a skincare brand

[07:35] The importance of trial and error in product creation

[08:42] How Sephora became a major retail partner

[09:56] The role of packaging and refining the brand

[10:45] Building a team that aligns with brand values

[11:33] Why hiring slow is crucial for long-term success

[12:18] Social media’s impact on personal branding

[13:09] How client feedback shapes product development

[14:21] The challenges of balancing retail deadlines with product quality

[15:37] Tips for building an engaged online community

[16:42] Overcoming self-consciousness in social media marketing

[17:15] Experimenting with content strategies for better engagement

[18:29] Finding balance between content creation and business operations

[19:45] Adjusting to entrepreneurship and leadership roles

[20:56] The importance of mentorship and learning from mistakes

[21:33] Rapid-fire business and skincare advice

[22:12] Common skincare mistakes and how to avoid them

Resources Mentioned:

Retinol Reform | Website

Sephora | Website

Shani Darden Skincare | Website

Follow Nancy Twine:

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www.nancytwine.com

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Season 3 of Makers Mindset is here, bringing even deeper insights, bold conversations, and actionable strategies for entrepreneurs, visionaries, and leaders. Hosted by Nancy Twine, this season continues to explore the journeys of top founders, business leaders, and changemakers.

Over the past two seasons, Makers Mindset has uncovered the pivotal moments, challenges, and mindset shifts that shape extraordinary careers. This season goes even further, offering real-world strategies, habits, and behind-the-scenes experiences that define lasting success.

The first episode of Season 3 premieres on February 20th.

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Powerhouse entrepreneur Anastasia Soare is the founder, CEO, and driving force behind Anastasia Beverly Hills — one of the fastest-growing brands in the beauty industry. After immigrating from Romania in 1989, she started her business as a one-woman operation and quickly created a revolutionary  technique now known as the Golden Ratio Eyebrow Shaping Method. She went on to build an empire — and she’s certainly raised a few eyebrows along the way. Anastasia is passionate about sharing her journey to inspire others, and believes that if she can do it, anyone can. 

Follow Anastasia Soare:

Instagram: @anastasiasoare

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Ginny Wright is an experienced leader with a robust background in luxury brand management. She’s held pivotal roles, including president of Kiehl's and global deputy GM at Ralph Lauren Fragrances, along with strategic positions at L'Oréal Luxe.  Known for her strategic and innovative approach to growth, Ginny has significantly boosted brand prestige and consumer engagement at the companies she's served. She always talks about owning your mistakes so that you can grow and ultimately thrive — and why she never backs down from a challenge. 

Follow Ginny Wright:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-wright-b0221b1

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Alisa Carmichael is the proud mom of two growing boys and Investment Partner at VMG Partners. Like many investors, she got her start in investment banking before joining the ever-evolving world of private equity. Unlike many of her fellow investors, however, Alisa was a black woman who was grappling with imposter syndrome at every turn. Fast-forward to today and she’s not just embracing her role as mother, daughter, investor, mentor, and friend, but owning it. Her unrelenting focus on the BIPOC community inspired the firm’s formation of The Parity Collective: an initiative focused on investing in founders of color across the consumer industry.

Follow Alisa Carmichael: 

Instagram: @alisacarmichael

https://www.vmgpartners.com/

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