In this powerhouse episode of The Jay Rana Show, Jay welcomes Barbie Patel, founder of Cinderella Brides and Beauty CEO University, president of WIPA New York, and all-around force in the wedding industry. Known for her sharp branding, unapologetic presence, and bold pink aesthetic, Barbie sits down to talk about what it really takes to build a business in beauty—and keep it growing for nearly two decades.
They kick things off with Barbie’s rise from the corporate world to full-time entrepreneur. She shares how she left a six-figure job with LexisNexis to go all-in on her passion for makeup and beauty. But this isn’t your typical “follow your dreams” story. Barbie lays out how she planned for it, saved for it, and scaled her business smart—not fast. She now runs multiple ventures, has a remote team of marketers and editors, and is everywhere on your feed for a reason: she knows what she’s doing.
Jay and Barbie get real about the challenges creatives face when running businesses. You might be talented, but if you can’t run operations, manage money, or market yourself, your hustle won't go far. Barbie talks about the difference between being good at your craft and being a business owner—and how she helps other beauty pros close that gap with her Beauty CEO University.
They also dive into marketing: why overthinking kills momentum, why done is better than perfect, and why consistency trumps timing every single time. Barbie shares how her in-house team helps her execute at scale and how working with remote interns across the U.S. adds fresh energy and ideas to her brand.
Jay opens up about his own marketing struggles as a DJ and planner, from trying Fiverr to juggling cameras while on the mic. The conversation unpacks why male-dominated event companies often lack the creative edge—and how female-led marketing teams bring storytelling, emotion, and vision that drives connection and sales.
But this episode goes way beyond business. They talk about Barbie’s role as a mom, wife, and entrepreneur. She shares stories of 6 a.m. workouts after landing from Cancun, managing 147 weddings in a year, and the importance of routines and resilience. Her message: there’s no room for excuses, just structure, focus, and execution.
Barbie also reveals how she co-founded Lux Escapes, a travel agency focused on destination weddings in Europe. What started as a way to save on their own travel expenses turned into a booming business. She and Jay break down the shifting trend from Mexico to Italy, Greece, and Morocco for destination weddings—and how vendors from the tri-state are bringing NYC hustle across the globe.
They don’t shy away from hard truths. Barbie talks about family drama at weddings, vendors clashing with out-of-state planners, and the perception of New Jersey vendors being “pretentious.” They both agree: if you’ve got high standards and real hustle, you’re going to ruffle a few feathers—but you’ll also get results.
From managing a massive team to executing destination weddings at castles in Rome, Barbie proves that glam doesn’t mean soft. She’s a strategist, a mentor, a creator, and a boss who’s building a legacy while staying grounded in service and impact. Jay closes out the convo by asking about Bridezilla moments, red dress disasters, and why black is the unofficial uniform of wedding pros.
If you’re in the beauty industry, the wedding space, or just trying to level up your brand without losing yourself in the process—this episode is for you. It’s real talk from two people who live it every weekend and still find ways to evolve, adapt, and keep the energy high.
No gimmicks. No fluff. Just a sharp, honest conversation with one of the most respected names in the game. Hit play, take notes, and don’t forget to follow both Barbie and Jay on all platforms for more behind-the-scenes insights and unfiltered stories from the front lines of the wedding world.
Welcome to The Jay Rana Show. Let’s go.
